The Opéra de Marseille, or Opéra Municipal, is an opera company that dates back to the 17th century and performs in a historic building once called an 'Art Deco Temple'. The building itself hosts a wide range of live entertainment events, including chamber music concerts, dance performances and, of course, traditional opera.

The hall offers elegant and stately surroundings, and it's a place to go if you want to add a level of historic class and romance to your evening on the town. Whether you're a couple looking to make memories for 2 or a family seeking culture, you'll find it here.

Opéra de Marseille - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do in Marseille When it Rains and 10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Marseille (Read all about Marseille here)

photo by Philippe Alès (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

History of the Opéra de Marseille

The Opéra de Marseille was originally established in 1685, the second French city after Bordeaux to host an opera building erected on a tennis court. The first permanent home of the opera, however, wasn't constructed until 1787 and boasted famous performances of 'Rigoletto', 'Il Trovatore', 'Aida' and others.

The original house was destroyed by fire in 1919, and the new Opéra Municipal de Marseille hall arose in 1924. The current building can seat up to 1,800 guests and features a classic urn shape design with art deco detailing. It preserves several features of the original, including the stone colonnade and original box office.

photo by Fred Romero (CC BY 2.0) modified

What to know before going to the Opéra de Marseille

The Opéra de Marseille is accessible by automobile or via public transportation (bus, Metro or tramway). It's located in the Marseille city centre, so it's easily accessible from many nearby attractions. Parking is available at an onsite carpark, but there is a fee.

Food is served in the reception hall and foyer and includes lite snacks along with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Food and beverages should not be taken into the theater. The hall takes disability accessibility seriously, so if you have sensory, cognitive or mobility-related special needs, call to discuss your necessary accommodations.

photo by Patrick Nouhailler (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Opéra de Marseille

Location: 2 Rue Molière, 13001 Marseille, France

Open: Hours vary by performance

Phone: +33 (0)4 91 55 11 10

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Where to stay in Marseille

Lobby sitting area
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
9.2 out of 10, (920)
The price is $115
per night
$133 total
includes taxes & fees
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Classic Studio | Premium bedding, free WiFi, bed sheets
Residhotel Grand Prado
7.6 out of 10, (2036)
The price is $48
per night
$57 total
includes taxes & fees
Residhotel Grand Prado
Front of property
Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
8.2 out of 10, (2157)
The price is $74
per night
$86 total
includes taxes & fees
Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles
Exterior
Crowne Plaza Marseille Le Dome, an IHG Hotel
9.0 out of 10, (195)
The price is $84
per night
$100 total
includes taxes & fees
Crowne Plaza Marseille Le Dome, an IHG Hotel
Studio, 2 persons, partial view on the port | View from room
Residhotel Vieux Port
7.8 out of 10, (775)
The price is $58
per night
$68 total
includes taxes & fees
Residhotel Vieux Port
Reception
Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux Port
8.4 out of 10, (1002)
The price is $162
per night
$185 total
includes taxes & fees
Radisson Blu Hotel, Marseille Vieux Port
3 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Regional cuisine
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
9.2 out of 10, (1001)
The price is $250
per night
$284 total
includes taxes & fees
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
Front of property
Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
8.6 out of 10, (1118)
The price is $69
per night
$80 total
includes taxes & fees
Staycity Aparthotels, Marseille, Centre Vieux Port
Sauna, steam room, deep-tissue massages, Swedish massages
Alex Hotel & Spa
9.0 out of 10, (604)
The price is $97
per night
$111 total
includes taxes & fees
Alex Hotel & Spa
Property amenity
hotelF1 Marseille Provence (rénové)
6.0 out of 10, (255)
The price is $33
per night
$38 total
includes taxes & fees
hotelF1 Marseille Provence (rénové)

Related stories