Its primary vocation is to present the local history of La Ciotat to the locals, but also to visitors passing through. The collections gathered over the decades make it a unique place, which offers a real dive into the past.
The 15 rooms of the museum house more than 1, objects evoking the cultural, traditional, economic, and religious heritage of La Ciotat.
Maritime life is evoked in particular by fishing, trade and yachting, but also, of course, by shipbuilding, which has largely contributed to the prosperity of La Ciotat. Showcases presenting the underwater fauna and flora complete the museographic proposal about the sea. The collections contain a variety of works and objects relating to decorative art, the performing arts, fine arts, ethnology, local history, natural sciences, industry, navigation and fishingβ¦.
Since , the Ciotaden Museum has been housed in the old town hall of La Ciotat. The building, built in , is remarkable in many ways with its meter belfry surmounted by a wrought iron campanile. Its neo-renaissance style typical of the Second Empire was designed by the architect Auguste Martin. The association of Friends of Old La Ciotat has found a remarkable setting, steeped in history, to welcome and present its collections in the best possible conditions.
The documentary collection built up over the years are accessible to the public. Numerous books, archives, drawings and rare documents can be consulted. The library is open on Mondays and Saturdays, from p.
