Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (MHM), Marseille

Museum in Marseille

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tanya Dedyukhina

Set within the monumental curves of the Palais Longchamp in the 4th arrondissement, the Natural History Museum of Marseille is where science, history and architecture all meet. Founded in 1819 and now one of France's most visited museums, it showcases everything from prehistoric fossils and glittering minerals to botanical specimens and mounted animals, all housed in a dedicated wing of Henri-Jacques Espérandieu's 19th-century palace. For families, students and anyone who loves the natural world, it offers a fascinating change of pace from the bustle of the Old Port.

The museum has occupied the Longchamp Palace since 1869, sharing this cultural hotspot with the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Today it holds tens of thousands of zoological and botanical samples, plus extensive fossil and mineral collections, and continues to run conferences and temporary exhibitions that bring natural history to life. With its combination of serious science and photogenic surroundings, it is one of the best places to visit in Marseille and a highlight of any walking tour of Marseille that heads up to Palais Longchamp and its gardens.

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

History and Significance of the Natural History Museum of Marseille

The Natural History Museum of Marseille dates back to 1819, when Jean-Baptiste, Marquis de Montgrand, and Christophe de Villeneuve-Bargemon, then prefect of the Bouches-du-Rhône, set out to create a museum worthy of a major Mediterranean port city. Initially installed in the Chapelle des Bernardines, it moved several times as the collections expanded, reflecting both the scientific curiosity and colonial reach of 19th-century France. Each relocation marked a step towards a more ambitious, public-facing institution dedicated to understanding life on Earth.

Its permanent home arrived with the construction of the Palais Longchamp under the Second Empire. Designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu to celebrate the arrival of Durance river water in Marseille, the palace gave the museum the space and prestige it needed. In 1869, the Natural History Museum settled into one wing, while the Musée des Beaux-Arts occupied the other, creating a powerful cultural duo. The monumental fountain outside, with its allegorical figures and Camargue bulls, still sets the stage for a visit that feels both grand and educational.

Over the years, the museum's scientific profile has grown alongside its collections. Directors like Antoine-Fortuné Marion, a notable 19th-century naturalist, shaped its direction, research and public programmes. Today, recognised as a classified museum since 2002 and operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, it preserves around 83,000 zoological specimens, 200,000 botanical samples, 81,000 fossils and 8,000 mineral specimens. Together they make the Natural History Museum of Marseille one of the best places to see in Marseille if you want to understand not just the city's environment, but the wider story of life and Earth across millions of years.

Things to See and Do in the Natural History Museum of Marseille

Inside the Longchamp wing, follow the flow of the permanent galleries to get a sense of the museum’s breadth. Zoological displays introduce you to animals from Provence and beyond, from birds and mammals to more specialised groups, giving an overview of biodiversity across habitats. These specimens are often arranged in evocative scenes that help you visualise how they lived, making it easier for younger visitors to connect with what they are seeing.

The botanical and geological collections add another layer. Herbarium samples and botanical exhibits highlight the plant life of Provence and other regions, while the mineral and fossil sections take you back in time with ancient shells, bones, and rocks that chart the evolution of life and the shaping of landscapes. If you are interested in Earth sciences, these rooms, with their drawers, cabinets and display cases, feel like stepping into a historic research institution.

Temporary exhibitions and conferences are a key part of the museum's appeal. Depending on when you visit, you might find themed displays on topics like climate, marine ecosystems, regional wildlife or the history of naturalist exploration. The mix of permanent and rotating content means that repeat visits remain rewarding, especially if you live nearby or are in Marseille for more than a quick city break. And when you have finished exploring inside, you can step straight out into the Palais Longchamp gardens for fresh air and views.

How to Get to the Natural History Museum of Marseille

The Natural History Museum of Marseille is located inside the Palais Longchamp in the 4th arrondissement, just north-east of the city centre and easily reached by public transport or on foot from several neighbourhoods. Most international visitors arrive via Marseille Provence Airport, which is well connected to European cities and offers shuttle buses and train links into the centre of Marseille. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marseille on Booking.com.

If you are travelling by train, you will arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles station, the main hub for TGV and TER services from Paris, Lyon, Nice and other destinations.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 tram or metro ride, or a pleasant 20-25 minute walk, to reach Palais Longchamp and its surrounding district.

Within Marseille, the museum is straightforward to visit using metro or tram lines that serve the Longchamp area, and local buses also stop nearby. If you choose to drive, follow signs for Marseille centre and the 4th arrondissement, then park in one of the nearby car parks or on surrounding streets where permitted before walking into the palace grounds and up to the museum entrance.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. Approaching on foot through the gardens, with the great fountain and palace rising ahead, is one of the most memorable ways to arrive.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Natural History Museum of Marseille

Suggested tips: Combine the museum with the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the opposite wing and a stroll in the Longchamp gardens to make a full, varied half-day of culture and fresh air.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons are usually calmer, with fewer school groups and a quieter atmosphere in the galleries.
Entrance fee: Permanent collections: Free
Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Tuesdays
Official website: https://musees.marseille.fr/musee-dhistoire-de-marseille-mhm
How long to spend: Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the main galleries, and extra time if you want to attend a conference or linger in specific sections.
Accessibility: Many areas are accessible, but as it is a historic building you may encounter some steps or level changes; check for lifts and accessible routes at the entrance.
Facilities: Expect toilets, cloakroom options and access to nearby cafés or snack spots around Palais Longchamp and the surrounding streets.
Photography tip: Focus on striking specimen displays and then step outside to frame the palace façade and fountain from the lower terrace or garden paths.
Guided tours: Look out for occasional guided visits, themed events or family workshops, which can add depth and interactivity to your time in the museum.
Nearby food options: The Longchamp area has cafés and restaurants within walking distance, or you can pick up takeaway snacks and enjoy them in the park around the palace.

Where to Stay close to the Natural History Museum of Marseille

Staying near Palais Longchamp places you in a quieter, residential slice of Marseille while keeping you well connected to the Old Port and other major sights. For a stylish base close to transport links and within easy reach of Longchamp, Alex Hotel & Spa near Saint-Charles station offers comfortable rooms and quick access uphill to the museum. If you prefer a more luxurious stay with panoramic views over the city and easy metro connections to the 4th arrondissement, InterContinental Marseille - Hôtel Dieu pairs five-star facilities with a central location. For a modern option closer to business districts but still just a short ride from Palais Longchamp, NH Collection Marseille makes a convenient base for combining museum visits with wider city exploration.

Is the Natural History Museum of Marseille Worth Visiting?

The Natural History Museum of Marseille is absolutely worth visiting, particularly if you have an interest in wildlife, geology or the history of science. Its extensive collections, shaped over two centuries, offer a deep dive into the natural world, from local Provençal species to global biodiversity, fossils and minerals. Combined with its setting in the dramatic Palais Longchamp and the chance to explore gardens and neighbouring art collections, it turns into a rewarding cultural stop that appeals to both adults and children. Whether you are in Marseille for a day or a week, it adds a different angle to your understanding of the city and its region.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (2,085)

Natural History Museum of Marseille, set in the Palais Longchamp, presents 19th‑century gallery rooms filled with botanical, mineralogy and zoology displays, including many preserved animals and skeletal specimens; visitors find the collection extensive though the main museum is compact and some displays show their age, there are interactive digital stations about Earth's development, some areas are free while others require a ticket, and staff are generally pleasant though not all speak English—making it a pleasant, family‑friendly stop if you have an hour to spare while visiting Longchamp.

Ivana Obradovic

a month ago

"Nicely curated museum, full of st￭ animals that are representing different species, various in size and place of origin. Lot of interactivee-stations where you can find out more about the development of the planet Earth and it's first inhabitants. Staff is pleasant and polite, but not all of it's members know English which most of the people consider as a must. Great place for spending the afternoon with kids...."

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anthony scott

a year ago

"We came here to provide some entertainment for my daughter. The museum is surprisingly small, just three rooms and is mostly st￭ animals and boneswith a few gems. I'd only give it three stars except that it is free, so it was worth it to just stop in for about 45 minutes. It is part of the glorious Longchamp palace, so if anything it is worth it stop in if you are seeing Longchamp...."

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Youssra Mechri

2 years ago

"3 stars because the Longchamps Palace and the museum building itself are magnificent. The temporary exhibitions are always worth it (recently saw theNatGeo best pictures and it was mind blowing) but the price is too high and the staff looking after the rooms is so noisy and chatty it makes it really hard to enjoy the art...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Natural History Museum of Marseille

It is housed in one wing of the Palais Longchamp in the 4th arrondissement, a short tram, metro or bus ride from the Vieux-Port and Saint-Charles station.

Yes, many exhibits are engaging for children, with animals, fossils and minerals that spark curiosity, and the nearby park offers space to run around afterwards.

You can often buy tickets on site, but checking current information online is wise, especially for weekends, holidays or special exhibitions.

Yes, they are in opposite wings of the same palace; many visitors enjoy seeing both, with a break in the gardens between visits.

Photography is usually permitted without flash in many areas, but always check and respect any specific signs or staff instructions in sensitive galleries.

Nearby Attractions to the Natural History Museum of Marseille

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille: The city's fine arts museum in the opposite wing of Palais Longchamp, with paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Palais Longchamp gardens: Formal terraces, lawns and fountains surrounding the palace, perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.
Saint-Charles railway station: A short distance away, with its grand stairway and views down towards the city centre.
La Friche la Belle de Mai: A creative hub in a converted factory nearby, hosting exhibitions, performances and a rooftop with city views.
Vieux-Port (Old Port): Easily reached by metro or tram, this historic harbour is Marseille's social heart, lined with cafés, restaurants and boat departures.

The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle (MHM) 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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