Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Housed within the Château Borély in Marseille’s 8th arrondissement, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode offers a refined look at decorative arts and fashion. The 18th-century pleasure home, originally built for wealthy traders and later owned by Gaston de Panisse Passis, was purchased by the city and opened to the public in 1863. After a major renovation, the museum reopened in 2013, coinciding with Marseille’s designation as the European Capital of Culture.

Visitors explore a permanent collection of approximately 2,500 works spanning from the 18th century to the present. The exhibits are displayed in period rooms that reflect 18th-century lifestyles, featuring original décor by painter Louis Chaix, including a golden sofa and library. The collections include 5,600 fashion items, 750 ceramic pieces, furniture, glass, and rare exotic objects. Fashion items are rotated in a study gallery three times a year, ensuring fresh perspectives on textile history. The building also houses contemporary works, such as a large chandelier by designer Mathieu Lehanneur, creating a dialogue between historical and modern design.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and is closed on Mondays. It is fully accessible for disabled visitors. Located at 132 Avenue Clot-Bey, the site provides a quiet, scholarly atmosphere away from the city center. Travelers can appreciate the architectural integrity of the castle while examining detailed holdings of earthenware and accessories. This institution consolidates collections from former museums, offering a comprehensive view of Marseille’s artistic heritage. It is an essential stop for those interested in the evolution of domestic aesthetics and fashion history in France.