Cantini Museum

The Musée Cantini in Marseille is a jewel of modern art located in the heart of the city. Housed in an elegant 17th-century hôtel particulier, the building itself is a work of art, originally designed for the Compagnie du Cap Nègre, a company specialized in coral fishing and trading precious goods. Over the centuries, the building changed hands several times before being donated to the city of Marseille by sculptor Jules Cantini in 1916. This generous gesture allowed the transformation of the palace into a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, which opened its doors to the public in 1936. The Musée Cantini is famous for its extensive collection covering mainly the period from 1900 to 1980, with an exceptional selection of works ranging from fauvism to surrealism, to lyrical abstraction. Among the represented artists are illustrious names such as André Derain, Raoul Dufy, Albert Gleizes, Wassily Kandinsky, and Joan Miró. These works offer a broad overview of the artistic trends of the 20th century, reflecting the diversity and evolution of modern art. One of the most famous works in the collection is “Pinède à Cassis” by André Derain, a perfect example of how fauvism captures the light and vibrant colors of the Mediterranean landscape. Next to this, we also find “Le port de Marseille” by Oskar Kokoschka, which offers an intense and dynamic view of the port of Marseille, a recurring theme in the works of artists who found inspiration in the city. The museum also houses a significant collection of surrealist works, thanks to the close collaboration with André Breton and other members of the surrealist movement. Artists like Max Ernst, Victor Brauner, and André Masson are well represented, and the museum also preserves the famous “Gioco di Marsiglia” created by the surrealists during their stay in the city in the 1940s. This game, a kind of deck of artistic cards, reflects the dreamlike and revolutionary imagery of the group. Equally important is the collection of works related to lyrical abstraction and painterly gesture, with works by artists such as Nicolas de Staël and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva. These artists explore the expressive possibilities of color and form in new and surprising ways, further enriching the artistic panorama offered by the museum. An interesting anecdote concerns the theft of an artwork by Edgar Degas, “Les Choristes,” which occurred in 2009. This artwork, a pastel on monotype loaned from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, was stolen during an exhibition at the Musée Cantini. Fortunately, the painting was recovered in 2018, but this event marked a moment of great tension and concern for the museum. Located near the lively Noailles district, the museum is easily accessible and serves as a reference point for local and international art enthusiasts. Its strategic location and rich cultural program contribute to making Marseille a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture.