La Vieille Charité

The Vieille Charité ( German: " Old Charité " ) is a former hospice arms in the French city of Marseille. It is located in the center of the Panier district and now serves as a museum and cultural center. It houses the archaeological collection of the Musée d' Archéologie Méditerranéenne.

The workhouse was built 1671-1749 according to the plans of the architect Pierre Puget. He designed a three-storey arcaded gallery, enclosing a rectangular courtyard and a chapel. The building was designed for the accommodation of the sick, poor and homeless, but in addition also for families who lost their homes because of the stock exchange building in a demolished neighborhood on the Vieux Port.

The baroque chapel has an elliptical shape and was built in 1704 with an egg-shaped dome. The neo-classical portico with Corinthian columns was added as a supplement in 1863. During this time the Charité was converted into a barracks. After the Second World War victims were taken by the German destruction in the building. After several years of squatting, the plant was evacuated in 1962 due to disrepair and subjected only in recent years, a complete restoration. Since 1985 will be held in the house concerts and exhibitions.