MuCEM

The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations opened in 2013 when Marseille was European Capital of Culture. Rudy Ricciotti's building is a dark cube wrapped in a lattice of fibre-reinforced concrete that reads as lace or a fishing net, casting patterned shadows on the ramps that spiral up inside the skin. A long footbridge crosses the water at height to Fort Saint-Jean, built by Louis XIV in 1660 partly to control the city rather than defend it, whose ramparts and gardens are free to walk. A second bridge reaches the Panier quarter. The collections cover Mediterranean societies rather than a single national story.

What you actually see

• The concrete lattice - a perforated skin throwing patterned shadows.
• The high footbridge - a walkway crossing the water to the old fort.
• Fort Saint-Jean - free ramparts, gardens and views over the harbour mouth.
• The Mediterranean collections - objects and displays across the whole basin.

When to go

Year-round; the museum closes Tuesdays. The outdoor terraces and fort are free and best at sunset. Exhibitions rotate, so check what is showing before buying a ticket.

Honest expectations

Much of the permanent display is thematic and abstract, which some find less engaging than expected. The rooftop and bridges are exposed to the mistral. Queues build for temporary shows.

Nearby

Le Panier is across the second bridge; the Vieux-Port is a short walk east.