La Vieille Charite, one of Marseille’s architect Pierre Pujet’s masterpiece used to be a shelter house for the poor. Abandonned, it was refurbished in the 1980’s. It now houses the Mediterranean Architectural Museum.  It’s peaceful courtyard is a welcome stop on a hot day after a stroll through the Panier, or now, through the sea front and it’s brand new museums….

 Firstly, a few shots of the neighbouring Panier, the oldest neighbourhood of Marseille

IMG_2728 IMG_2729

IMG_2730

IMG_2733

IMG_2734

 

…and the Vieille Charitee

IMG_2743

 ..and it’s Chapel

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 22.44.18

IMG_2742

IMG_2741 

 

At the moment, an absolute must-see @ the Vieille Charitee: the exhibition of Joseph Koudelka ‘s photographs, views of Roman architecture around the Mediterranean a 13 year project, under the arches of this venerable building. 

 

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 19.28.27

 

Also, the Museum of Mediterranean Architecture is exhibiting the « Treasury of Marseille » in the Pujet Chapel:

In ancient times, a treasury was a small, richly sculpted building, which was used to house precious objects. For this exhibition, 29 relics considered national treasures in Greece will go on display for the first time outside their home country. Thanks to new technology, visitors will be able to visit a 3D reconstitution of the building consecrated in Thebes by the rich and powerful city of Massilia

IMG_2738