Musée Grobet Labadié

Musée Grobet-Labadié: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Marseille’s Historic Mansion

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Musée Grobet-Labadié is one of Marseille’s most captivating historical sites, offering an immersive dive into the refined world of 19th-century bourgeoisie. Set within an exquisitely preserved hôtel particulier dating from 1873, the museum showcases the eclectic and extensive art collections of the Labadié and Grobet families. As both a testament to the city’s industrial and artistic evolution during the Third Republic and a living example of period domestic life, the museum stands as a key site for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers alike.

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information for planning your visit, including up-to-date hours, ticket prices, accessibility, highlights of the collection, travel tips, and nearby attractions. For the latest updates, consult the official museum resources (Musée Grobet-Labadié Official) and Marseille Tourisme.

The Origins and Significance of the Musée Grobet-Labadié

Historical Foundations

The museum owes its existence to Alexandre Labadié (1814–1892), an influencer in Marseille’s industrial and political circles, who commissioned the construction of the hôtel particulier in 1873. His daughter, Marie Labadié, further enriched the family’s collection through her marriages to Bruno Vayson and then Louis Grobet, a musician and painter. Between 1873 and 1917, the family’s travels across Europe led to the acquisition of over 7,000 works—paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and decorative arts—making the collection a uniquely diverse reflection of the era’s tastes.

Following the deaths of her husbands and lacking heirs, Marie Grobet bequeathed the mansion and its art collections to the City of Marseille in 1919. The museum opened to the public in 1926 and has since been recognized as a “Musée de France” and listed as a historic monument since 2022 (Monumentum).

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

The Mansion

Designed by Gabriel Clauzel, the hôtel particulier is a prime example of late 19th-century bourgeois architecture. Its interiors are adorned with original woodwork, ornate staircases, and lavish salons filled with period furniture and textiles, transporting visitors into the domestic world of Marseille’s elite (WhichMuseum).

The Collections

Fine Arts: Paintings spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including family portraits, Old Masters, and genre scenes.
Decorative Arts: 18th- and 19th-century furniture, intricate tapestries, porcelain, ceramics, and glassware.
Musical Instruments: Rare pieces such as an 18th-century harp, a 1757 hurdy-gurdy, and a musette à bouche.
Cabinet of Curiosities: Exotic artifacts, scientific instruments, and marquetry objects collected during the family’s travels.
Sculpture and Textiles: Religious statuaries, neoclassical busts, and finely woven textiles.

The immersive display within period rooms enhances the experience, offering visitors insight into both the art and the lifestyle of the time.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and public holidays

Admission & Tickets

Permanent Collection: €2 full price, €1 reduced
Temporary Exhibitions: €4 full price, €2 reduced
Free entry: Children under 18, EU residents under 26, and on the first Sunday of each month
Tickets: Available on-site and, during peak seasons, online via the official website

Guided Tours and Educational Services

Guided tours: Available by appointment; inquire for language availability.
Workshops and programs: Educational sessions for school groups and families support lifelong learning (Musées Méditerranée).

Accessibility

The museum is partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Elevators and ramps are available, but some historic features may pose challenges. Contact the museum in advance for assistance.

Visitor Facilities

Restrooms and cloakrooms available
No café on-site, but local dining options abound nearby
Large bags must be checked; small bags allowed
Photography is permitted without flash or tripods

Getting There

Address: 10 Rue Méolan, 13006 Marseille, France
Metro: Line 1 (Cinq-Avenues–Longchamp or Estrangin-Préfecture stations)
Bus: Lines 21, 72, and others nearby
Tram: Longchamp station
Parking: Limited street parking; use public transport when possible

Nearby Attractions

Palais Longchamp: Monument, gardens, and home to two major museums
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille: Fine arts collections next door
Cité Radieuse: Le Corbusier’s iconic modernist building
Other museums: Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Musée Cantini, and Vieux-Port

Pair your visit to the Grobet-Labadié with a stroll in the Longchamp district or a picnic in the park.

Visitor Experience and Etiquette

A visit typically lasts 1–2 hours. The tranquil, historic rooms invite quiet appreciation. Please respect staff guidance regarding bags, photography, and movement—these measures protect the delicate settings and collections.

Visual and Interactive Media

Enhance your experience with:

Maps and directions (Map and Directions)
Alt text for images (e.g., “Grand staircase of Musée Grobet-Labadié with 19th-century paintings”)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: €2 (€1 reduced) for permanent collections; €4 (€2 reduced) for temporary exhibitions. Free for children under 18 and EU residents under 26.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Partially; contact the museum ahead for details on mobility accommodations.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by reservation. Audio guides and educational materials may also be available.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but without flash or tripods, and always follow staff instructions.

Recognition and Preservation

The museum holds the “Musée de France” label and was declared a protected historical monument in 2022, underscoring its national significance and commitment to heritage preservation (WhichMuseum).

Plan Your Visit and Call to Action

Musée Grobet-Labadié is a cultural gem at the heart of Marseille’s historical landscape. Plan your visit by consulting the official website or Marseille Tourisme. For an enriched experience, download the Audiala app for guided tours, follow us on social media, and explore our related guides.