La Vieille Charité is a former almshouse, now functioning as a museum and cultural centre, situated in the heart of the old Panier quarter of Marseille in the south of France. Constructed between 1671 and 1749 in the Baroque style to the designs of the architect Pierre Puget, it comprises four ranges of arcaded galleries in three storeys surrounding a space with a central chapel surmounted by an ovoid dome.
The idea of an almshouse for the poor, dedicated to Notre-Dame, mère de Charité (Our Lady, Mother of Charity), was originally conceived in 1622; but it was not until 1640 that a suitable plot of land was acquired, with the first pensioners admitted in the following year. Although the foundation stone was laid in that year, construction commenced only in 1671, following a grand plan of the architect Pierre Puget. It was not completed until 1749, construction being prolonged as the result of reductions to the project imposed by the aldermen of Marseille. The central chapel was erected between 1679 and 1704. Although Puget died in 1694, that part of the project was completed under the direction of his son, François.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Laura Keciri | Mar 3, 2018
Beautiful! The architecture is really beautiful. The little church is empty but lovely and used for contemporary exhibits. The little café gets full very easily. We didn't eat there and decided to stroll thru the panier and find something to eat along the way. If you are going for the Picasso exhibition, I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated the interpretation of various influences on his art.
Gaurav Walia | Feb 17, 2018
Good security and area well maintained. Only problem was communication.
Calene Curtis | Jan 5, 2018
The outside is large but this place is used for exibits and you must pay to see the main building. Was a leisure stroll for me but not anything special.
Guille Glez | Aug 28, 2017
Nice pretty old building, full of museums to wander around. Would not spend most of my time in it having such a wonderful neighborhood around, though.
DILWAR Hussain | Jul 18, 2017
Interesting building and great place to hide from the sun and have a good day. Lots of interesting things to see and learn inside (if you can read french)
Fabien Carayol | Mar 26, 2018
A historical building, former hospital, interesting for its architecture but mainly nowadays for the permanent and temporary art exhibitions - traditional or great artists
Marc Moebius | Mar 30, 2018
Several interesting collections that are worth a visit.
Maria Carla Zizolfi | Jun 23, 2018
This amazing building hosts two wonderful museums, the ethnographic museum with artifacts coming from Asia, Africa and America and the Museum of Mediterranean archeology. Entry to both museums is inexpensive and their contents are quirky and well displayed, it takes two-three hours to see everything. The bar on the ground floor is not particularly good, there's a canteen with OK hot meals but nothing mind blowing, much better to find places to eat around the neighbourhood. Very recommended if you plan a trip to Marseille.
Taylor Metcalfe | Jun 6, 2018
Picasso exhibit was so great. Beautiful building
Colin | Jul 4, 2018
Confusing entrance fees. Great heritage site.
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