Musée des Docks Romains, Marseille

Museum in Marseille

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Robert Valette

Tucked near the Vieux-Port, the Museum of Roman Docks is a compact but fascinating window into Marseille's life as an ancient trading hub. Discovered in 1947 during post-war reconstruction and saved thanks to archaeologist Fernand Benoit, this on-site museum preserves the remains of a Roman commercial warehouse exactly where it stood, allowing you to walk through the footprint of a bustling port facility from nearly two millennia ago.

The stars of the show are the thirty huge ceramic dolia, industrial-scale jars once used to store wine and oil. Many were originally sunk into the ground for stability, and here you can see them in situ alongside medieval walls and wells, plus artefacts recovered from 20 shipwrecks in the bay. It is one of the best places to visit in Marseille if you want to understand the city's long trading tradition, and it is often visited on walking tours of Marseille that link the Old Port with key archaeological sites.

History and Significance of the Museum of Roman Docks
Things to See and Do in the Museum of Roman Docks
How to Get to the Museum of Roman Docks
Practical Tips on Visiting the Museum of Roman Docks
Where to Stay close to the Museum of Roman Docks
Is the Museum of Roman Docks Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Museum of Roman Docks
Nearby Attractions to the Museum of Roman Docks

History and Significance of the Museum of Roman Docks

The story of the Museum of Roman Docks begins in the aftermath of World War II, when large parts of the historic port district were destroyed by German occupation forces and later cleared. In 1947, as new building work began, remains of a Roman-era commercial warehouse came to light. Instead of being cleared away, these traces of the ancient port were carefully documented and, thanks largely to the persistence of historian and archaeologist Fernand Benoit, preserved in place as a unique archaeological site.

Opened to the public in 1963 and renovated in 1987, the museum is significant because it is one of the very few places in the Mediterranean where you can see a Roman warehouse preserved in situ rather than reconstructed in a gallery. The layout of the buried dolia, the foundations and the surrounding structures all show how goods were stored and handled just behind the harbourfront, when Marseille-then Massalia-was a thriving maritime city integrated into Roman trade networks.

Over time, the museum has expanded its scope to include not just the Roman layers but also the “Park of the dolia,” where visitors can see medieval house walls and wells that overlay the ancient site, and a collection of finds from underwater excavations of around 20 shipwrecks in the harbour. Together they highlight how the same waterfront area has been used, destroyed, rebuilt and reused across centuries, making the Museum of Roman Docks a key stop for anyone curious about the deep roots of Marseille’s maritime identity.

Things to See and Do in the Museum of Roman Docks

The main attraction is the Roman warehouse itself, with its forest of dolia-huge ceramic vats up to 1.70 metres tall and 1.60 metres wide, capable of holding up to 2,000 litres of wine or oil. Many of these vessels were originally buried to their shoulders in the ground to keep them stable and to help regulate temperature, and you can still see the pits and bases that held them. Walking among them gives a powerful sense of the scale of ancient bulk storage and the industrial side of Roman viticulture.

Interpretive panels explain how the dolia were used, sealed with resin-coated lids and integrated into winery or warehouse operations. You will also learn how the site was discovered and how post-war rebuilding unexpectedly revealed this slice of Roman life. The “Park of the dolia” adds another layer, with remnants of medieval houses, walls and wells that show how the same urban space was repurposed over time, long after the Roman infrastructure fell out of use.

Along the walls, a series of windows display artefacts from underwater excavations of around 20 shipwrecks recovered from Marseille’s harbour. These pieces-amphorae, cargo fragments and everyday objects-help you picture the volume and variety of goods coming and going through the port. Taken together, the warehouse remains, medieval layers and maritime finds create a compact but rich visit that ties the city’s modern waterfront directly back to its ancient roots.

How to Get to the Museum of Roman Docks

The Museum of Roman Docks sits close to the Vieux-Port and the historic centre of Marseille, making it easy to slot into a day of exploring the waterfront and nearby museums. Most visitors arriving from abroad will land at Marseille Provence Airport, which offers frequent flights from across Europe and shuttle links into the city centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marseille on Booking.com.

If you are travelling by rail, you will arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles station, the main hub for TGV and regional services.You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. From there, it is a short metro or tram ride down to the Vieux-Port and surrounding streets, followed by a brief walk to the museum.

Within Marseille, the museum is well connected by metro, tram and bus lines that serve the Old Port and nearby quarters; once you are in the area, everything is walkable, with clear signage pointing to the main museums and historic sites. If you are driving, follow signs for the Vieux-Port and park in one of the nearby underground car parks or designated street spaces before exploring the area on foot.If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. The compact layout of the centre makes it easy to combine the Museum of Roman Docks with the Old Port, La Vieille Charité and other key sights in a single outing.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Museum of Roman Docks

Suggested tips: Combine the museum with a stroll around the Vieux-Port and a visit to the Marseille History Museum for a fuller picture of the city's ancient past.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or early afternoons are usually quieter, giving you more space to study the dolia and displays.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Daily 09:00 - 18:00 Closed Mondays
Official website: https://musees.marseille.fr/musee-des-docks-romains-0
How long to spend: Around 45-60 minutes is usually enough for most visitors, longer if you are particularly interested in Roman trade or underwater archaeology.
Accessibility: The museum is relatively compact, but as it is built around in situ remains, some areas may have uneven floors; check ahead if you have specific mobility needs.
Facilities: Basic facilities such as toilets are available nearby, and cafés and shops are just a short walk away around the Old Port.
Photography tip: Focus on close-up shots of the dolia and their textures, and then step back to capture how they are arranged within the former warehouse space.
Guided tours: Look out for guided visits or themed tours (sometimes offered through the tourist office) that link this museum with other Roman and Greek sites in the city.
Nearby food options: The Vieux-Port area is full of restaurants and cafés, from quick snacks to seafood terraces, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your visit.

Where to Stay close to the Museum of Roman Docks

Staying near the Old Port and the historic centre puts you within easy walking distance of the Museum of Roman Docks and many of Marseille's key attractions. For classic harbour views and quick access to both the Vieux-Port and nearby museums, Hôtel La Résidence du Vieux-Port offers stylish rooms overlooking the water. If you prefer a luxurious and historic setting just a short walk away, InterContinental Marseille - Hôtel Dieu occupies a restored former hospital high above the port, with terraces and rooms that look out over the city and sea. For a modern and comfortable option between the business district and the old town, NH Collection Marseille makes a convenient base within easy reach of the museum and the waterfront on foot or by public transport.

Is the Museum of Roman Docks Worth Visiting?

The Museum of Roman Docks is definitely worth visiting if you are even mildly interested in history or archaeology. Its in situ Roman warehouse and huge dolia are unusual, memorable and very easy to understand, even if you are not a specialist. The added context of medieval remains and underwater finds from local shipwrecks turns a relatively small space into a rich storytelling environment about Marseille's role as a trading port from antiquity onwards. Because it is compact and central, it also fits perfectly into a wider day of exploring the Old Port and neighbouring museums.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (207)

Museum of the Roman Docks at 28 Pl. Vivaux is a small, free museum housed in a preserved Roman shipping warehouse, where you can see large amphoras and other ancient artifacts; visitors praise the informative panel at the entrance and friendly staff but warn the entrance can be hard to spot and signage from the Vieux Port is poor, and some have reported it being unexpectedly closed.

Ryan Smith

6 years ago

"A very small but free museum.. worth a walk through, with very friendly staff.. the entrance is somewhat hard to spot - it's by the car park - enterhere (photo)..."

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Nathan Williams

a year ago

"Still closed despite lots of signs pointing you towards it. Google maps says it's open but it's not. A wasted journey"

Jesper Lavoie

12 years ago

"I could not believe that a museum can impress me in this way, but here on, it happened. For so many years I live in this city and I finally foundtime to enjoy an enriching tour. It was good that at the entrance, a back lit panel offers a historiographical information, that allowed me to better understand this unique space...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Museum of Roman Docks

The museum is close to the Vieux-Port and central historic districts, within easy walking distance of the waterfront and other major sights.

Yes, the giant jars and visible ruins tend to capture children’s imaginations, and the small size of the museum makes it manageable for families.

You can usually buy tickets on site, but it is wise to check current information in case of special events or changes to visitor numbers.

Absolutely, it pairs well with the Marseille History Museum, La Vieille Charité and MuCEM, all of which are a short walk or quick metro ride away.

Most visitors spend about an hour here, though enthusiasts of Roman history may want extra time to read all the interpretive material.

Nearby Attractions to the Museum of Roman Docks

Vieux-Port (Old Port): The historic heart of Marseille, lined with cafés, restaurants and boat trips, just a short stroll from the museum.
Marseille History Museum and Jardin des Vestiges: A larger museum and archaeological garden that explore the city's evolution from Greek Massalia onwards.
La Vieille Charité: A 17th-century almshouse turned cultural centre, home to major archaeology and world arts museums in the Panier district.
MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations): A landmark modern museum at the harbour entrance, connected to Fort Saint-Jean by dramatic footbridges.
Fort Saint-Jean: Historic fortifications overlooking the port, now integrated into MuCEM and offering panoramic views over Marseille and the sea.

The Musée des Docks Romains appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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