MAC Musée d’Art Contemporain de Marseille - a view of a city with a hill in the background
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MAC Musée d’Art Contemporain de Marseille

4.1
·731 reviews·Marseille, France

Marseille's contemporary art museum, featuring French & international works from the 60s. Free permanent collection!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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MAC Musée d’Art Contemporain de Marseille - a view of a city with a hill in the background

MAC Musée d’Art Contemporain de Marseille

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Marseille's contemporary art museum, featuring French & international works from the 60s. Free permanent collection!

4.1
(731 reviews)

"A place you shouldn't miss if you're in Marseille, with astonishing window walls and great art."

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TIP

✅ Free Permanent Collection

Enjoy the permanent exhibition for free! Temporary exhibits may have a fee .

⏰ Check Exhibition Schedule

Verify opening hours and exhibition installation closures before visiting .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Permanent Collection

Permanent Collection

Explore French & international art from the 1960s onwards, with a focus on local artists. Free entry!

Architectural Window Walls

Architectural Window Walls

Astonishing window walls that enhance the display of artworks, offering unique perspectives.

Sculptures in the Park

Sculptures in the Park

Discover interesting sculptures located in the park adjacent to the museum.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry & Exhibition Schedules

The permanent collection at MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain is free to enter, a great budget tip! However, check exhibition schedules carefully, as the museum sometimes closes entirely for installations, which can be a surprise for visitors.Reddit

Location & Accessibility

MAC is a bit outside the city center, requiring a bus or a walk from the metro. Consider parking at the nearby shopping center. The park behind the museum also features sculptures worth exploring.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During temporary exhibitions
Why
See diverse, rotating art
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Travelling to Marseille Museums to visit and more

✅ Free Permanent Collection

Enjoy the permanent exhibition for free! Temporary exhibits may have a fee.Reddit

⏰ Check Exhibition Schedule

Verify opening hours and exhibition installation closures before visiting.Reddit

reddit.com

Tips on things to do in Marseille?

🚌 Public Transport Friendly

Accessible by bus; a short walk from the metro. Parking available nearby.Reddit

🌳 Explore the Park

Don't miss the sculptures in the park behind the museum.Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

✅ Free Permanent Collection

Enjoy the permanent exhibition for free! Temporary exhibits may have a fee.Reddit

⏰ Check Exhibition Schedule

Verify opening hours and exhibition installation closures before visiting.Reddit

🚌 Public Transport Friendly

Accessible by bus; a short walk from the metro. Parking available nearby.Reddit

🌳 Explore the Park

Don't miss the sculptures in the park behind the museum.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(731 reviews)

Reviews Summary

MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain offers a free permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, praised for its architectural design and local artist focus. However, some visitors find the curatorial style and security presence less than ideal, and note that the museum can close unexpectedly for exhibition installations.

"Came to Marseille to see the Olympics. And after watching a game on the coast, I took an Uber to the museum and was too astonished by the window walls. Although it was nearly closing time, the staff were very nice and helped me buy a ticket. Dangling my legs on a stone stand outside the Musée until one of the staff members came to let me know they were closed."

Shelly Shi

"A brand new renovation for the MAC museum in Marseille. A place with a structure that enhances the works on display.

I was only able to see the permanent exhibition, but it has some very interesting works, particularly on local artists which is essential.

The staff at the entrance are very welcoming and the museum is free.

One detail that is a bit complicated for me is that they don't have a really dedicated website, it's a site that groups together all the museums in Marseille and so it's more difficult to get information.

As far as I'm concerned, it wasn't until I was there that I realised that the museum was closed for the installation of the exhibition. I find this a bit special because all the museums I've visited have the option of closing their spaces for new exhibition and leaving their permanent collections open to the public.

I think that for a place like this, and if it wants to continue to evolve, this might be necessary.

The entrance through the park is a bit sad, with homeless people sleeping a few metres away from it.

That said, it's a place you shouldn't miss if you're in Marseille."

Guy H

"Great collection. The Museum is a little bit far away from the city center, but can be reached with public transport. So if you are in Marseille and you like contemporary art, then I would recommend you to visit MAC."

Nick Acorne

What People Like

Free permanent collection
Striking architecture
Focus on local artists

What People Dislike

Unexpected closures
Curatorial style
Security presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

MAC is located a bit outside the city center. You can reach it via public transport, with bus routes being a convenient option. It's also a walkable distance from the metro, though it might be a longer walk. If you're driving, there's parking available at the shopping center across the road.Reddit

Yes, MAC Marseille is accessible by public transport, primarily via bus lines. While it's not directly on a metro line, it's within a reasonable distance for those who don't mind a short walk after disembarking from the metro.Reddit

If you're arriving by car, there is a shopping center located across the road from the museum where you can park.Reddit

While the museum itself is a cultural hub, some reviews mention seeing homeless individuals in the park area near the entrance. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, as with any urban environment.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The permanent exhibition at MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain is free to enter, making it an accessible cultural experience. However, temporary exhibitions may have an admission fee.Reddit

Visiting the permanent collection at MAC Marseille is free. For temporary exhibitions, there is typically a fee, for example, one reviewer paid 6€ for a specific temporary exhibition.Reddit

For the free permanent collection, advance booking is generally not required. For temporary exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website or contact them directly to see if advance booking is recommended or necessary.

Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Some visitors have encountered unexpected closures due to exhibition installations, so confirming hours before your visit is highly recommended.Reddit

Unfortunately, the museum sometimes closes entirely for the installation of new exhibitions, meaning the permanent collection may not be accessible during these times. This is a point of feedback from visitors who prefer permanent collections to remain open.Reddit

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain showcases French and international art from the 1960s onwards. The permanent collection often features works by local artists, providing insight into regional contemporary art scenes.Reddit

Crowd levels can vary. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed viewing experience. During popular temporary exhibitions, you might encounter more visitors.Reddit

Yes, the museum is noted for its striking window walls, which are described as astonishing and enhance the display of the artworks. The building's structure is designed to complement the art on display.Reddit

Indeed, there are sculptures to be found in the park located behind the museum. It's a pleasant addition to the visit, offering a chance to enjoy art in an outdoor setting.Reddit

While the art collection is impressive, some visitors have noted an 'oppressive security' presence which can detract from a relaxed experience. The display of art in long rows with sometimes unclear labeling has also been mentioned as a curatorial challenge.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information regarding on-site dining facilities at MAC Marseille is limited in reviews. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or plan to dine at nearby restaurants or cafes.

Given its location slightly outside the immediate city center, dining options directly adjacent to the museum might be limited. However, exploring the nearby shopping center or heading back towards the city center will offer a wider array of restaurants and cafes.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary for museums. It's best to check for signage within the museum or inquire with staff. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but special exhibitions might have restrictions.

The architectural window walls are a standout feature for photography, offering unique perspectives. The sculptures in the park also provide good photo opportunities. Capturing the art itself will depend on the museum's photography policy.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain can be a good option for families, especially since the permanent collection is free, making it an economical outing. The contemporary art might spark curiosity in older children, and the architectural features, like the large window walls, can be visually engaging. The park behind the museum also offers space for kids to move around and discover sculptures, providing a nice break from indoor exhibits.Reddit

However, parents should be aware that the museum's layout and some of the art might be more suited to older children or teenagers who can appreciate abstract concepts. The 'arty-bollocks' introductions to rooms mentioned by some reviewers might not resonate with younger audiences. It's also wise to check the museum's schedule for any temporary exhibitions that might be particularly engaging or suitable for children. Given its location, planning transportation in advance is key for a stress-free family visit.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget travelers, MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain is a fantastic find because its permanent collection is entirely free.Reddit This allows you to experience a significant amount of art without any cost. The museum's location, while a bit outside the immediate center, is still accessible via public transport, which is generally more affordable than taxis. This makes it a great way to immerse yourself in Marseille's art scene without breaking the bank.

To maximize your savings, consider packing your own snacks or planning a picnic in the nearby park, as on-site dining options might be limited or costly. Always double-check if temporary exhibitions have a fee, and if so, decide if they align with your budget and interests. The free access to the permanent collection alone makes MAC a highly recommended spot for those watching their spending.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating MAC's Collection and Curation

MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain boasts a significant collection of French and international art dating from the 1960s onwards. A particular strength highlighted by visitors is its focus on local artists, offering a valuable glimpse into the contemporary art scene of Marseille and the Provence region.Reddit The permanent collection is free to access, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. However, the curatorial approach has received mixed feedback. Some find the 'arty-bollocks' introductions to rooms and the arrangement of works in long rows to be somewhat detached from the art itself, with occasional difficulties in linking labels to specific pieces.Reddit

Despite these critiques, the museum houses impressive pieces, including notable works that represent the history of contemporary art. Visitors should be aware that the museum may close entirely for the installation of new exhibitions, which can be inconvenient if you were hoping to see the permanent collection.Reddit It's essential to check the museum's schedule in advance to avoid disappointment. The architectural design, particularly the striking window walls, is often praised for enhancing the viewing experience and providing unique visual elements within the museum space.Reddit

For those interested in contemporary art, MAC offers a substantial collection. The advice from visitors is to go with an open mind, appreciate the free access to the permanent collection, and be prepared for a potentially unique curatorial style. The park behind the museum also offers a pleasant outdoor space with sculptures, adding another dimension to a visit.Reddit

Practicalities: Getting There and Around

MAC Musée d'Art Contemporain is situated a bit further from Marseille's city center, meaning it's not as easily accessible as attractions right in the heart of town. Public transport is the recommended way to reach it, with bus routes being a primary option. While it's not directly on a metro line, it's within a reasonable distance for those willing to walk a bit after exiting the metro. For visitors arriving by car, there's a convenient parking option available at the shopping center located directly across the street from the museum.Reddit

It's worth noting that the area surrounding the museum, particularly the park, has been mentioned in reviews as sometimes having homeless individuals present. While this is a common occurrence in many urban parks, it's something to be aware of. The museum's website has also been described as less dedicated, being part of a larger site for all Marseille museums, which can make finding specific information slightly more challenging.Reddit

When planning your visit, always verify the museum's opening hours and exhibition schedules directly. Unexpected closures for exhibition installations have caught some visitors off guard, so confirming these details beforehand is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.Reddit

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