Imagine stepping back in time within these very walls. The Le Musée du Savon de Marseille stands here. It is a place where the rich history of Marseille soap unfolds. It is a story that spans from prehistoric times to the present day.
Located ideally on the quays of the Vieux Port the Le Musée du Savon is inside the former arsenal of the galleys built by Louis XIV. Colbert designed this monumental military arsenal in the second half of the 17th century. It housed and armed King Louis XIV’s galleys. The Réale was a famous and sumptuous galley. It was 57 meters long and equipped with 32 pairs of oars.
Until 1748, the Arsenal housed convicts and galley slaves. They were later transferred to Toulon. Today, the site is home to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. A painting from 1666 by Jean-Baptiste de La Rose shows the Vieux-Port. It shows the Arsenal des Galères and the current location of Le Musée du Savon de Marseille.
Inside Le Musée du Savon, you can still feel the spirit of the place. The white stone is characteristic of the region. The exposed wooden beams add to the atmosphere. Our museum opens the doors to the history of soap. It goes from prehistoric times to the present day. You will find frescoes works documents objects and rare pieces.
Le Musée du Savon de Marseille offers an interactive experience. There is a sensory space to explore. You can enjoy a demonstration workshop on making Savon de Marseille. During the workshop, you can personalize your own creation.
Don’t miss the unusual and rare objects. There are old books paintings and old advertisements. See the century-old machines. Discover statues from the Grévin de Provence museum. They depict Manon des Sources Papet and Ugolin. Discover hundreds of objects related to the world of soap. You will also learn about the history of Marseille.
During the demonstration workshop, our guide explains the manufacturing steps. These steps include saponification crushing boudinage and cutting. You will see demonstrations of how our machines work. After our demonstration workshop you can personalize your own soap. You can add different patterns. You’ll leave with your own creation. The workshop lasts about 30 minutes for 20 people.
Test your sense of smell in the sensory area. Try to discover the scent of a dozen soaps. Open the small wooden boxes. Will you guess pastis lavender verbena or olive? What will your score be?
Next to Le Musée du Savon, our store awaits you. It spans two floors. Discover thousands of creations from our traditional workshop. The workshop is located on Cours Julien in Marseille. Also discover a selection of regional products. Find local artisans’ favorites.
Before you leave, remember the enduring appeal of this simple yet essential product. Le Musée du Savon de Marseille is more than just a museum. It is a celebration of Marseille’s heritage. It is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of soap making.