The National Maritime Museum
400 years of maritime history in ToulonThe memory of the arsenal
Unique on the Mediterranean coast, the Musée National de la Marine is located in the heart of Toulon’s harbor. The museum is a true reminder of the arsenal’s 400 years of human and technical history, making Toulon France’s leading defense port. Through a rich collection of models, paintings and objects, take part in the milestones that have shaped the exceptional naval destiny of Europe’s most beautiful harbor.
5 good reasons to visit the Musée National de la Marine
- Dive into the history of the Toulon navy and penal colony
- Follow the development of the arsenal over the centuries
- Contemplating artistic and technical masterpieces
- Imagine the life of sailors on board through the ages
- Understanding contemporary military issues in the light of the past
A major historical site
Set up next to the main entrance to the naval base, like a precious guardian of its memory, the museum sets the tone right from its monumental entrance. Dating from 1738, this former arsenal gate is an architectural masterpiece that bears witness to the historical significance of the site. You’re in one of the few sites in Toulon to have survived the Second World War: within its walls, the city’s history is intrinsically linked to naval history.
Our advice
To complete your visit, audioguides in French, English, German, Spanish and Italian are available for €2 at the museum entrance. A tactile tour, magnetic induction loop and loan of equipment are available for visitors with disabilities.
Maritime voyage through time
The museum’s itinerary is a chronological one. With Joseph Vernet’s paintings – panoramic views of the town and harbor dating from the 18th century – you’ll understand from the outset why Toulon’s physiognomy naturally made it a powerful war port. Contemplate the collections of works of art, naval models and objects: they retrace the major events in Toulon’s maritime history, from its birth 400 years ago to the present day.
Key works
As you make your way through the museum, you’ll notice a number of landmark works: the impressive model of the Sultane, a 1/10-scale instructional model, and the figurehead of the ship Neptune, a testament to the beauty of 17th-century naval ornamentation. Further on, the model of the first dry dock illustrates the progress made in naval engineering: even today, over 2 centuries old, this dock is still in use. Objects that once belonged to sailors and convicts, and reconstructions of their lives aboard ship, bring the human history of the arsenal to life before your very eyes.
Closer to home, from the maneuvering table of the Clemenceau aircraft carrier to the model of the Barracuda nuclear attack submarine, you’ll see how naval technology – one of the jewels in the crown of French know-how – is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of the modern world.
Around the collections
The Musée National de la Marine is open all year round (annual closure in January), and in addition to its permanent collections, numerous themed events and activities offer a fresh look at maritime history, both past and present. Conferences, fun workshops for children and temporary exhibitions round off your visit to the site and extend the pleasure of learning more about Toulon and its fascinating history.
How do I get to the Musée national de la Marine?
By road, from the east or west entrances to the town, follow signs for “Centre-ville – Le port”.
The museum is located in Plaça Monsenergue, next to the main entrance to the naval base. Park in the Q-Park ” Place d’Armes ” underground parking lot, 150 meters from the museum, or in the port parking lot between the Gare Maritime and Quai du Petit Rang.
By bus, the nearest stop is “Préfecture maritime”. It’s just a few meters from the museum entrance and is served by Mistral lines U, 6, 15, 23, 40 and BN2.
