In the heart of Parc Borély, in the southern districts of Marseille and a stone’s throw from the beaches, the Museum of Decorative Arts, Fashion and Ceramics presents visitors with a selection of 2,500 works around decorative arts, fashion and earthenware. A contemporary museography has been set up to take advantage of the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, on a surface area of nearly 1,600 m².
Château Borély
Built in the second half of the 18th century, Château Borély bears witness to the history and heritage of Marseille, at a time when the prosperity of rich merchants and shipowners transformed the city. These great families then built themselves, in the countryside, real palaces which took the name of bastides. Since its construction, this bastide situated in the Bonneveine district, has been renowned as one of the most beautiful.
The castle has survived through the centuries and retains most of its original decor. Some rooms are remarkable such as the golden lounge, the library, the bedroom and the chapel. Bought back by the city with the surrounding plots, it is now situated in the middle of a park much appreciated by the inhabitants of Marseille and tourists, who come here in search of a haven of peace and quiet and the freshness of its ponds and lakes.
Permanent collections
The Museum of Decorative Arts, Fashion and Ceramics of Marseille has a collection of 2,500 works in the fields of art objects dating from the 18th century to the present day. This unique collection is complemented by a remarkable fashion collection, one of the best endowed in France.
Visitors can discover superb collections of earthenware, produced by the Marseille and Moustiers factories, as well as decorative sets including leather wall coverings, panoramic wallpapers and painted canvas. Each theme room allows the works presented to be coherent in space and time.
The department dedicated to fashion includes the creations of the greatest designers. The presentations, regularly renewed, are as many invitations to rediscover the place. Discover creations by Yves Saint-Laurent, Christian Dior, Madeleine Vionnet, Pierre Balmain, Élisabeth de Senneville and others.
Contemporary works have been specially designed for the museum. Visitors can admire the chandelier in the large vestibule, specially created by designer Mathieu Lehanneur. They can also admire during their visit the tapestries by Laurence Aegerter and the mirrors by Hubert Legall.
Activities, events and exhibitions
The Museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions related to fashion or decorative arts. Between November and March 2020, an exhibition entitled Man Ray et la mode – La mode au temps de Man Ray (Man Ray and Fashion – Fashion at the time of Man Ray), was held in partnership with the Cantini Museum. Another exhibition was also held in 2020: L’héritage du Surréalisme dans la mode, à travers 30 des modèles des collections du château Borély (The legacy of Surrealism in fashion, through 30 of the models in the Château Borély collections). Events are also organized outside the walls.
Would you like to visit the museum with your family? Activities are also proposed for children, by reservation and within the limit of available places.
Parc Borély
The young Marcel Pagnol already enjoyed strolling at Parc Borély with his aunt. This park, well known to the people of Marseille, is a place for walks, relaxation and games. The basin is home to boats appreciated by couples and families. The shady paths are ideal for strolling or cycling. Just a stone’s throw from the park, equipped beaches are an invitation to swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. When visiting the fashion museum, we recommend that you allow at least one hour to visit the park.
Practical information
- Visiting time: allow about 2h30
- Opening days: from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive. Exceptional opening on Easter and Whit Monday, closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and 11th, December 25th and 26th.
- Schedule: from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Address: 132 avenue Clot Bey, 13008 Marseille
- Access: the museum is located in the southern districts of Marseille. It is accessible from the city center by public transportation, you have to take the subway (Rond-Point du Prado – M2 line) then the bus number 19, 44 or 83.
- Other: the Café Borély, restaurant and tea room, welcomes you in the East Pavilion of the Château.
- Website:http://culture.marseille.fr/
