Fine Arts Museum, Marseille

The Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) in Marseille holds the distinction of being the city's oldest museum. Established in 1801 by the consulate, it was one of fifteen museums created in major cities across France. During the Second Empire, the museum relocated from its initial location at the 'Bernardines' Convent, where it had been since its inception in 1804, to the grand Longchamp Palace, which was inaugurated in 1869.

Designed by the architect Henry Esperandieu, the majestic Longchamp Palace was specifically constructed to house the Fine Arts Museum. A remarkable sight within the palace is a massive fountain depicting la Durance on a chariot pulled by Camargue bulls, symbolizing the commemoration of the arrival of the Durance canal's waters in Marseille.

Within the museum's premises, guests are greeted with an expansive array of more than 8000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The museum's permanent exhibitions span three centuries of art history, from the 16th to the 19th century. Among the impressive displays are works by renowned Italian and French masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, including Louis Finson, Jean Daret, and Nicolas Mignard.

The museum showcases a significant representation of Northern schools, including works by Rubens, Jordaens, and Snyders. It also focuses on art in Provence, featuring local artists like Louis Finson, Jean Daret, Nicolas Mignard, and Michel Serre. The 19th-century French school is well-represented with works by Courbet, Corot, Daubigny, Millet, and Puvis de Chavannes.