Grobet-Labadié Museum

The Musée Grobet-Labadié in Marseille is a fascinating treasure trove of art and history located in a 19th-century palace. This museum, less known than other city institutions, offers visitors an intimate and engaging experience with a unique collection of art objects, furniture, tapestries, musical instruments, and works by renowned masters. The museum’s history is closely linked to the Grobet family, whose members were passionate collectors and patrons. The palace housing the museum was built in 1873 by Alexandre Labadié, a prominent lawyer and politician. Upon his death, the building passed to his daughter, Marie Grobet, who, together with her husband Louis Grobet, expanded the family collection. In 1919, Marie Grobet decided to donate the palace and collection to the city of Marseille, on the condition that the house be transformed into a public museum. The Musée Grobet-Labadié officially opened its doors in 1925. The museum’s setting is particularly evocative. Each room in the palace is furnished in the style of the era in which it was inhabited, creating an atmosphere that allows visitors to take a true journey back in time. The rooms are enriched with splendid period furniture, tapestries, and works of art ranging from the Renaissance to the 19th century. This arrangement not only enhances the individual objects but also offers a glimpse into the daily life of Marseille’s bourgeoisie at the time. The collection of the Musée Grobet-Labadié is exceptionally diverse and rich. Among the most valuable pieces are paintings by masters such as Pieter Brueghel the Younger and David Teniers the Younger, as well as works by French artists of the 18th and 19th centuries such as Hubert Robert and François Boucher. These paintings, along with a wide range of sculptures, ceramics, and artistic glassware, provide an overview of European art through the centuries. Another fascinating aspect of the collection is represented by the musical instruments. The museum possesses an extraordinary collection of ancient instruments, including harpsichords, spinets, and violins, many of which are decorated with intricate inlays and paintings. These instruments not only testify to the skill of the craftsmen who created them but also offer an insight into musical practices and the importance of music in the daily life of the affluent classes. The museum’s tapestries and textiles are equally remarkable. These fabrics, often of monumental size, depict mythological, historical, and pastoral scenes, and are crafted with a technical expertise that is breathtaking. The vibrant colors and minute details make each piece a work of art in its own right, capable of telling stories and myths with surprising vividness. An interesting anecdote concerns the museum’s donation itself. Marie Grobet, in line with her family’s philanthropic tradition, decided to donate her house and collection to the city to ensure that the artworks and objects collected could be enjoyed by a wider audience and not remain closed in a private setting. This gesture of generosity has allowed generations of visitors to approach culture and art in a unique context.