Musée Ciotaden

About the museum

The museum's origins go back to April 1914, when Albert Ritt began gathering objects of local history. The association Les Amis du Vieux La Ciotat was founded in 1941 and in June of that year organized a first temporary exhibition, which became permanent. The museum moved into the Hôtel du Commerce in 1942 and was forced out by the occupying troops in 1943–1944. It reopened in 1946 at 51 rue des Poilus and in 1992 moved into the former town hall, a listed historic monument.

The collections exceed 15,000 objects and are organized around three themes: ethnology, history, and technology and industry. They include archaeology, decorative arts (ceramics, textiles), film, painting, photography, archives, maps, bibliophile books, costumes, household objects, craftsmen's tools, entomology, navigation and fishing.

Among the highlights are prehistoric remains from the Terrevaine excavations, Gallo-Roman archaeology, boat models and navigation instruments, as well as objects related to the Lumière brothers and the invention of cinematography. The museum has held the “Musée de France” designation since September 17, 2003.

Highlights

• Former town hall, a listed historic monument
• Over 15,000 objects in ethnology, history, technology and industry
• Boat models and navigation instruments
• Objects linked to the Lumière brothers and cinematography
• Prehistoric remains from the Terrevaine excavations

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes – Ethnology, history, technology and industry: archaeology, navigation, fishing, film and local life.

Operated by

Association Les Amis du Vieux La Ciotat

Visitors per year

approx. 8,898

Admission & discounts

Payment by bank card, check or cash.

Accessibility

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

The main entrance is on Quai Ganteaume; the entrance for visitors with reduced mobility is at 30 rue Adolphe Abeille. The access route has a slope of more than 5%, which the tourist listing considers reasonable.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit