What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples can stroll the Baroque courtyard, share coffee at Café Ollā, and view art together; lack of night openings limits romantic atmosphere to daytime.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can stroll the courtyard, visit free galleries, and enjoy a café break without rushing.
Stroll the central courtyard:
Walk under the Baroque chapel dome in the peaceful cloister.
Tip: Visit in the morning for soft light and fewer visitors.
Explore permanent collections:
Browse archaeology and African-Oceanian-Amerindian art galleries for free.
Tip: Pick up a free guide map at the entrance to plan your route.
See a temporary exhibition:
View rotating art exhibits in the main galleries.
Tip: Buy tickets (€10 per person) online to skip the line.
Coffee at Café Ollā:
Relax with drinks or light bites in a courtyard corner.
Tip: Choose a table by the archway for a quieter atmosphere.
Watch films at Le Miroir:
Catch art-house movies in the historic cinema space.
Tip: Attend the first Saturday screening for free entry.
Attend a poetry reading:
Listen to free readings at the Centre international de poésie.
Tip: Check the event schedule online before visiting.

Arthur Chionh
Nice historical site with a chapel(?) in the middle of a grand courtyard, with several levels of exhibitions. Entry to the entire site was free when I visited on 07Dec2025, you just needed to collect a ticket and show it to the staff at the exhibition entrances. Good to walk around and have a look :)
Josh
This former charitable center is now three floors of global art exhibits from the museum of Marseilles and a central former chapel with a contemporary art installation, at least when I visited. There is also an outdoor cafe in one corner. The architecture is the star attraction. Even if not seeing the art, it's a pleasant shaded walk. Tickets were available free at the ticket office, and not requi...
Tiago Martins
It’s a marvellous piece of architecture! In a very nice area where you feel the native vibe. Be aware that you can pass the security for free but to actually visit everything inside you have to pay the ticket. Even without paying it is worth to pass by.
Eileen Weed
The Old Charity Museum in Marseille has a lot to offer! The displays of African, South American and Mediterranean art were excellent! There were also convenient lockers to store our bags / backpacks. It is definitely worth it to visit here while you are in Marseille.
Jason Cobb
The buildings are an amazing step back into time. The art exhibit in the dome was a bit eccentric for my taste but it was done well. The Egyptian exhibit upstairs was fascinating and the tattoo exhibit down stairs was interesting but not really for me. The staff was a bit less than friendly but maybe because it was Sunday they were in a bit of a mood.
In summer, the shaded courtyard is ideal for a midday break. In cooler months, warm up with a film or temporary exhibit.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Temporary exhibition tickets (2) | EUR 20 |
| Coffee and snacks at Café Ollā | EUR 30 |
| Cinema tickets (2) | EUR 16 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 66 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille, France
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