Rue Antoine del Bello

Stepping onto Rue Antoine del Bello is like stepping back in time. This street, tucked away in Marseille’s bustling 2nd arrondissement, holds a secret. It leads to La Vieille Charité, home to the Museum of Arts of Africa, Oceania and Amerindia (MAAOA). Rue Antoine del Bello isn’t just a street. It’s a pathway to a world of artistic wonders. The MAAOA, opened in 1992, houses a remarkable collection. It boasts the second largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in France, second only to the Louvre. Rue Antoine del Bello guides you to this treasure trove. Imagine exploring rooms filled with masks, statues, and artifacts. The Africa room showcases pieces from Marseille’s colonial museums, donated by Pierre Guerre, a lifelong admirer of African art. Think of the stories these masks and sculptures hold. Rue Antoine del Bello brings you closer to them. In the Oceania and Americas room, a collection of over 3,000 objects awaits. These were gathered by François Reichenbach during his travels. Here you’ll also find Dr. Gastaut’s collection of sculpted and painted human skulls. Rue Antoine del Bello leads you on this unique journey. The Mexico room showcases almost 3,000 pieces of Mexican folk art. This vibrant collection, bequeathed by filmmaker François Reichenbach, includes masks, wool paintings, and sculptures. Rue Antoine del Bello opens the door to this explosion of color and artistry. So, as you walk along Rue Antoine del Bello, remember, you are not just walking down a street. You are walking towards a world of art, history, and culture.