Standing on Place Carli, the Palais des Arts was built by the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu between 1864 and 1874. Espérandieu, who also designed the nearby basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, created the building to house the city's School of Fine Arts and Municipal Library. The grand Second Empire facade is worth a look even if you don't go inside. Today it continues to serve as a cultural venue in the heart of Marseille's old centre.
Palais des Arts
Grand Second Empire arts building on Place Carli