Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), Marseille (must see)

The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) is a national institution situated in Marseille. Its inauguration took place on 7th June 2013, coinciding with Marseille's designation as the European Capital of Culture during the Marseille-Provence 2013 celebration. This museum was recognized for its excellence and awarded the prestigious Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2015.

Dedicated to the exploration of European and Mediterranean civilizations, the museum showcases a permanent collection that delves into the historical and cultural interactions within the Mediterranean basin. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it covers various aspects of society throughout different eras, right up to modern times.

The museum's strategic location lies on reclaimed land at the harbor's entrance, adjacent to the 17th-century Fort Saint-Jean and the former port terminal, J4. A channel separates the contemporary building from the Fort Saint-Jean, which has been renovated as part of the overall project. These two areas are connected via a 130-meter-long high footbridge. Additionally, another footbridge links Fort Saint-Jean to the Esplanade de la Tourette, close to the church of Saint Laurent in the Panier quarter.

Designed by architects Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta, the museum embodies the concept of "stone, water, and wind." It features a striking cube-shaped structure spanning 15,000 square meters, enclosed by a latticework shell made of fiber-reinforced concrete. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on two levels, while an underground auditorium with a seating capacity of 400 enriches the experience. The ground floor houses the permanent collection and a bookshop, while the top terrace hosts a restaurant that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Marseille's bay, the Corniche, and the Prado area.

In addition to its regular exhibitions, the museum presented a special exhibition in 2022 dedicated to Emir Abdelkader. This unique showcase provided an opportunity to delve into significant historical and memorial aspects related to this eminent figure within the Mediterranean context.