Marseille's Must-Visit Contemporary Art Galleries

La Friche

Housed in the industrial shell of a former tobacco factory, La Friche functions as both a cultural venue and gallery. La Friche was established two decades ago, and since then its 45,000-square meter gallery has played host to all manner of contemporary and experimental art. The space has been the site of inception for various exhibitions and projects, with over 150,000 visitants annually. La Friche is more like a multifaceted creative village instead of a standard gallery.

Friche la Belle de Mai, 41 rue Jobin 13003 Marseille, France, +33 4 95 04 95 95

Musée d’art contemporain (MAC)

The Musée d’art contemporain (MAC) is home to a permanent collection of contemporary paintings sculpture, video and other installations. Some of the artists whose work can be seen at the MAC include Absalon, Jimmie Durham, Tadashi Kawamata and Jacques Monory. Guests are also invited to soak up the visual feasts offered at the variety of temporary exhibitions the MAC plays host to. Take a stroll in the gallery’s serene garden where a number of other works by the likes of Jean-Michel Alberola and Fabrice Gygi.

Musée d’art contemporain (MAC), 69 avenue de Haïfa, 13008 Marseille, France, +33 4 91 25 01 07

The American Gallery of Contemporary Art

The American Gallery of Contemporary Art acts as a central hub for the English-speaking artistic community of Marseilles and displays a wide range of international contemporary art. The gallery is located near the Marseille’s beautiful Corniche and houses some of the finest contemporary American and Anglo-Saxon artworks in France. The gallery itself is located on private land so any guests interested in perambulating their way over to take a gander should be sure to call the gallery’s owner, Pamela King, in advance.

The American Gallery of Contemporary Art, 10 bis rue des Flots Bleus, 13007 Marseille, France, +33 6 27 28 28 60

Established in 2013, the Fondation Régional d’Art Contemporain (FRAC) brings innovative and exciting contemporary artworks to the heart of bustling Marseille. Since 2013 the arresting FRAC building made from glass and steel has been beguiling Marseille residents and tourists alike. The FRAC houses a permanent collection of contemporary artworks by talented aesthetic virtuosos from the Provence-Alpes- Côte d’Azur region that Marseille is the capital of. There are also perpetually changing temporary exhibitions to display the touring works of rapidly flourishing local artists. Slink over to this majestic feat of architectonics and take a look for yourself.