The Musée Cantini: the Mecca of Contemporary Art
Located on rue Grignan, in a sumptuous 17th century mansion house, the Musée Cantini houses one of the richest collections dedicated to modern and contemporary art in France.
History of the private mansion
Built in 1694, the mansion has changed owners several times. After renting it to the Club des Phocéens, Jules Cantini, a marble maker who owned the residence, donated it to the city in 1916 with its collections in order to transform it into a museum, a large part of which would be devoted to the formation of a collection of modern art.
The museum opened its doors in 1936.
Initially, the exhibition focused on works by modern Provençal painters, particularly from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Among others, we could admire the works of Maurice Bompard, Jean-Antoine Constantin, Adolphe Monticelli and Gustave Ricard.
The Cantini Museum and its collections
For those who wonder what to do in Marseille when you love Contemporary Art, the Cantini Museum is the perfect choice for everyone! In addition to its permanent collection, the Cantini Museum of Modern Art regularly hosts exhibitions in Marseille and attracts many art lovers!
Several developments and extensions later, the contemporary art museum meets all the needs of modern museography. Everything served by an acquisition policy aimed at making it one of the most beautiful French public collections dedicated to the 20th century.
Some tips for visiting the Cantini Museum
Visiting Marseille without stopping to admire this museum would be a shame! Remember to check opening hours and go to the ticket office to buy your tickets and avoid queues.
You will find many restaurants in Marseille, in the 6th arrondissement where the Cantini Museum is located. And why not combine a visit to the Marseille Museum with activities in Marseille?
