The old charity is located in the historic district of the basket, close to the Major. Built in 1670 by architect of the King and child of the district, Pierre Puget, who signs here one of his greatest achievements, she receives the beggars of the city, poor and beggars, then in the 19th turned into hospice, before serving social housing for the army.

Since 1986, the old charity brings together museums, associations, school, cinema, ... and offers temporary exhibitions and activities throughout the year.
There is the Museum of Mediterranean archaeology and the Museum of Arts of Africa, Pacific, native Americans (also called M.A.A.O.A)
Many temporary exhibitions there are welcomed throughout the year.
And other cultural organizations also settled, such as The International Centre of the poetry of Marseille (C.I.P.M.), The National Institute of Audiovisual Communication (I. N.A), the National Center for the research scientist (C.N.R.S.) or the school of advanced studies in Social Sciences (e. H.E.S.S).

Look at the architecture of the old charity
The architectural ensemble of old charity surprises by his perfect unity of style and functional cohesion. Built in stone pink and white Crown (small town north of Marseille) career, the buildings consist of four wings open rectangular courtyard and closed on the outside.
These spaces are connected on three levels by galleries. And in the center of the Court, a chapel at oval Dome, built in the baroque style.
The pediment of the building, to the classic look of the Second Empire style, takes up the theme of charity for destitute children, surrounded by two pelicans who feed them.

Open on sunday