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France/Things to Do in Marseille, couple trip

Old Charity Center (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Old Charity Center?

81%Couple-Friendly
View Map

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.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 4,901 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free permanent displays: All couple visitors can access the main galleries without charge.
  • Multiple venues onsite: Enjoy museums, cinema, café, and poetry readings all in one historic building.

Challenges:

  • Stair access: Some galleries and the cinema require climbing stairs if the elevator is out of service.
  • Limited café seating: Café Ollā can get busy; avoid peak lunch hours to find a table more easily.
  • Closed on Mondays: The center is closed on Mondays; plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday.
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🏖️ Explore Old Charity Center with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Old Charity Center. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Old Charity Center?

  • A 17th-century Baroque almshouse established to shelter Marseille’s indigent and displaced
  • An architectural ensemble centered on a monumental domed chapel flanked by cloistered galleries around a serene courtyard
  • A public cultural hub integrating archaeology and world‐art museums with a poetry institute and independent cinema

What is so special about Old Charity Center for couple trip?

  1. Free access to archaeology and world art collections
  2. Historic 17th-century cloister under a Baroque dome
  3. Rotating temporary exhibitions in a unique setting
  4. Art-house cinema screenings, often free on first Saturdays
  5. Café Ollā offers a scenic courtyard spot
  6. Regular poetry readings in intimate spaces

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

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.

(View Old Charity Center on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Old Charity Center

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.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Old Charity Center

  1. Combine visits: Start with the courtyard, then head to free galleries before buying exhibition tickets next.
  2. Book in advance: Reserve temporary exhibit and cinema tickets online to skip entrance queues.
  3. First Saturday perks: Visit on the first Saturday for free film screenings and exhibition openings.
🏖️ Tour Old Charity Center like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Old Charity Center. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Old Charity Center

Powered by Google
Arthur Chionh

Arthur Chionh

Dec 2025

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

Josh

Nov 2025

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

Tiago Martins

Oct 2025

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

Eileen Weed

Oct 2025

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

Jason Cobb

Aug 2025

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.

When is the best time to visit Old Charity Center (Marseille, France)?

In summer, the shaded courtyard is ideal for a midday break. In cooler months, warm up with a film or temporary exhibit.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Marseille on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Temporary exhibition tickets (2)EUR 20
Coffee and snacks at Café OllāEUR 30
Cinema tickets (2)EUR 16
Total EstimatedEUR 66

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Old Charity Center

Address: 2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille, France

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About Old Charity Center

Opening Hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+33 4 91 14 58 46

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