The Ciotaden Museum was founded in the 1940’s by passionate locals. Its primary vocation is to present the local history of La Ciotat to the locals, but also to visitors passing through. The collections gathered over the decades make it a unique place, which offers a real dive into the past.
Ciotaden Museum in La Ciotat
Permanent collections
The 15 rooms of the museum house more than 1,500 objects evoking the cultural, traditional, economic, and religious heritage of La Ciotat.
Archeological remains from the Terrevaine excavations offer an interesting insight into the city’s prehistoric past.
Maritime life is evoked in particular by fishing, trade and yachting, but also, of course, by shipbuilding, which has largely contributed to the prosperity of La Ciotat. Showcases presenting the underwater fauna and flora complete the museographic proposal about the sea.
Daily life is also represented, for example through the reconstruction of a 19th century kitchen typical of La Ciotat with its instruments and utensils, and the presentation of the Mayor’s office dating from Napoleon III.
The Lumière brothers, cinema pioneers, have a dedicated room where various instruments are exhibited.
The collections contain a variety of works and objects relating to decorative art, the performing arts, fine arts, ethnology, local history, natural sciences, industry, navigation and fishing…
The former town hall
Since 1992, the Ciotaden Museum has been housed in the old town hall of La Ciotat. The building, built in 1864, is remarkable in many ways with its 26-meter belfry surmounted by a wrought iron campanile. Two bas-reliefs celebrate the two levers of the city’s prosperity which are industry and navigation. Its neo-renaissance style typical of the Second Empire was designed by the architect Auguste Martin.
The association of Friends of Old La Ciotat has found a remarkable setting, steeped in history, to welcome and present its collections in the best possible conditions.
The library
The documentary collection built up over the years are accessible to the public. Numerous books, archives, drawings and rare documents can be consulted. The library is open on Mondays and Saturdays, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., by appointment only.
Practical information
Prepare your visit to the ciotaden museum:
- Opening days: from Wednesday to Monday inclusive (closed on Tuesday). Closed on public holidays
- Schedule: from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from September to June, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in July and August
- Address: 1 Quai Ganteaume, 13600 La Ciotat
- Website: http://www.museeciotaden.org/
