Up on the rooftop of the MUCEM, secluded from the buzz of the city by the mosaic architecture and its weaving shadows, you have a truly breathtaking perspective of the French city of Marseille. The views of the skyline, sea and surrounding islands were previously inaccessible until the MUCEM - Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée - opened in 2013. Already ranked as one of the world's top 50 most visited museums, the MUCEM provides a 3 in 1 experience to the museum, the old Fort de Saint-Jean and the surrounding Vieux Port. Talk about a bargain.
You could spend the entire day admiring the lattice design of the contemporary French architect Rudy Ricciotti. Made from grey steel, the uniquely sculpted building is absolutely striking against the backdrop of the blue Mediterranean sea. Alongside the MUCEM is the Fort de Saint-Jean, built in 1660 as the fortified entrance to the port. Lose yourself exploring every corner of the sandstone turrets which are now bursting with life from an abundance of floral gardens that have sprouted up throughout the years rejuvenating the 17th century ruins. The pedestrian bridges between the new museum and the fortress bring the very essence of the MUCEM to life: connecting old and new, as well as bridging the different Mediterranean communities together.
If the architecture itself wasn't enough, within the museum you can discover the range of exhibitions that explore Mediterranean culture and history. My trip very fortunately coincided with an exhibition on one of my favourite modern French artists: Jean Dubuffet. His unique and non traditional approach to painting and sculpting is simplistic yet bold, and often features a subtle patriotic use of colour.
Inside the MUCEM there are a variety of other events taking place, such as ‘La Fabrique des ilussions’ interactive exhibit I experienced last summer. I will admit that while some of the pieces, that were designed to trick the eye, were a little too abstract for me to interpret, as I’m no expert in modern art, I still found them very captivating. However, even today, I find myself picturing the piles of rubbish scattered around the room, casting shadows resembling the local wildlife endangered as a result of pollution. We live in a world where there is a lot of awareness and sympathy regarding the environmental issues threatening our planet, but artists, in particular, have a platform that can be very effective in provoking a response. I for one have changed my life choices directly as a result of my day at the MUCEM.
At the very top of the building there is a perfect, little sanctuary underneath the bright blue sky. Take some time to relax at the rooftop bar with a refreshment or in the provided seating area in the shadows of the MUCEM's woven steel shell. In order to descend, you are guided through a winding tunnel that encompasses the museum within its exterior mosaic-like architecture. Little glimpses of blue can be seen through the spaces in the dark, steel sculpture as you make your way towards the sea. The transparent walkway reflects the glare of the sun all around you creating a hazy effect. It looks as if you had already reached the water and were slowly sinking down surrounded by sparkling fish and the shadows and ripples from the surface.
Finally, welcomed by the cool wind rolling off the sea, the glistening water and the friendly greetings from the sailors passing by at the entrance to the marina, you find yourself on the golden stone walkway of Marseille's Vieux Port. The MUCEM celebrates the Mediterranean history that once took place on the very same shore and as a result, Mediterranean culture remains a fundamental and treasured part of modern Marseille today.
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