Musée Cantini, Marseille

The Cantini Museum (Musée Cantini), located in Marseilles, has welcomed visitors since 1936, showcasing a rich collection of modern art, particularly focusing on paintings from the early to mid-twentieth century. The origins of the museum building date back to 1694 when it was constructed for the Compagnie du Cap Nègre, involved in coral fishing along the northern coasts of Tunisia and engaged in wool, wax, and leather trade. Financial difficulties led to the sale of the building in 1709 to Dominique de Montgrand, who was the great-grandfather of Jean-Baptiste-Jacques-Guy-Thérèse de Montgrand, the future Mayor of Marseille.

Over the years, the building changed hands multiple times, passing through the ownership of Louis Joseph Chaudoin in 1801 and Dieudonné Bernadac in 1816. However, in 1888, it found a lasting owner in Jules Cantini, who later bequeathed it to the City of Marseille in 1916 with the condition that it be transformed into a museum of decorative arts. Thus, the museum opened its doors in 1936, becoming a prominent cultural institution in the city.

Today, the Musée Cantini boasts one of the largest public art collections in France, spanning the period from 1900 to 1980. Its diverse assortment features work from an array of talented artists, including Charles Camoin, Raoul Dufy, Albert Gleizes, Henri Laurens, Wassily Kandinsky, František Kupka, Jean Hélion, Alberto Magnelli, Amédée Ozenfant, Max Ernst, André Masson, and many others.

Tip:
Check the Cantini website to see which temporary expos they have on display.