Cosquer Méditerranée

About the museum

The Cosquer cave is a decorated prehistoric cave whose entrance lies under the sea, in the Calanques near Marseille. Hunter-gatherer groups frequented it between roughly 33,000 and 19,000 years ago. As sea levels rose, most of the cave is now flooded.

The diver Henri Cosquer first entered the cave in 1985. He declared the site in 1991, and prehistorians confirmed the authenticity of the paintings and engravings. The cave was listed as a historic monument in 1992. It cannot be visited, because water is gradually threatening the artworks.

To make the site known to the public, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region chose the company Kléber Rossillon in 2019 to design, build and operate a replica for 25 years. Cosquer Méditerranée opened on June 4, 2022 in the Villa Méditerranée, opposite the Mucem.

Visitors step down into a cabin reminiscent of a diving chamber. They then move through the replica, with its roughly 480 engravings and paintings, in an exploration module for six people. The visit continues with a film about the discovery and the Galerie Méditerranée, which displays life-size Ice Age animals.

Highlights

• Replica of the Cosquer cave with about 480 engravings and paintings
• 35-minute route in an exploration module
• Film about the discovery by diver Henri Cosquer
• Galerie Méditerranée with life-size Ice Age animals
• Audio guide included in the ticket, with a children’s version

Permanent exhibitions

• Réplique de la grotte Cosquer – Replica of the cave with about 480 engravings and paintings, visited in an exploration module for six people.
• Galerie Méditerranée – Exhibition on the prehistoric people of the cave, with life-size Ice Age animals, on the fourth floor.

Founded

2022

Operated by

Cosquer Méditerranée (Kléber Rossillon, délégation de la Région Sud)

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the audio-guided tour of the replica, the film, the Galerie Méditerranée and the “Le Passage” space. The site lists several rates. Payment by card, cheque, cash, paper ANCV holiday vouchers, City Pass and Pass Culture. Tickets are neither exchangeable nor refundable.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

All floors are accessible by lift. The replica is visited in an exploration module: only people who can get in and settle down alone in under a minute have access. Others follow the visit on a screen in a dedicated area. Wheelchairs and walking-stick seats are lent at reception. Induction loops, tablets with the audio-guide transcript and booklets in easy-to-read French are available. The site holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label for hearing and intellectual disabilities. It is not suitable for people with visual impairments.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The replica of the cave is not permitted for children under 3. The film, “Le Passage” and the Galerie Méditerranée are suitable for toddlers. Parents can take turns: one visits the cave while the other stays with the child. A free audio guide for children aged 3 to 8 can be requested before boarding. A room for strollers is provided; baby carriers are not accepted in the modules.

Getting there & parking

The site is opposite the Mucem, reached via the white cantilever of the Villa Méditerranée. The A55 motorway is about 5 minutes away. Pleasure boats can moor near the Mucem during the visit.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

No food area; eating and drinking are not allowed in the cave or the gallery. Picnicking is possible outdoors on the J4 esplanade. Museum shop at the exit. Free cloakroom for large luggage and coin-operated lockers on level -1 (bags up to 44 x 20 cm accepted).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 400 guests.

Galerie Méditerranée with sea view, amphitheatre with 400 seats, atrium for up to 350 people, terrace for up to 400 people and four meeting rooms.

Plan your visit