Announced in Marseille in June 2023 by the President of the Republic, the Mediterranean Season 2026 is about to kick off in just a few days! This unique event aims to make culture a bridge of dialogue between the shores. It will unfold throughout France, starting with a grand opening in the Phocaean city. The program features over 50 initiatives spread across the whole city to celebrate creativity and the flow of ideas.
A city at the crossroads
For this opening sequence, taking place in Marseille from May 15 to 24, 2026, around fifty exhibitions, performances, concerts, and other screenings have been planned, all revolving around the theme Arrive, Depart, Return. A true narrative in motion that will stretch from one end of the city to the other to spark dialogue.
Exploring the territories surrounding contemporary themes, such as multiple identities or the collective history of migrations.See this post on Instagram
In hand-picked locations that capture the spirit and history of the city of Marseille, cultural, institutional, and community leaders will work to showcase the richness of Mediterranean cultures, the vibrancy of their youth, and the strength of exchanges between civil societies.A true dialogue between the past, present, and future, thanks to the presence of artists and creators of all ages and styles, coming from all corners of the Mediterranean.
5 events not to miss during the opening sequence
But with such an exciting programming and such a buzz, it’s not always easy to know where to focus your attention. So, we suggest you check out our top 5 events that you absolutely can't miss!
We're celebrating the grand opening with the work Mar Nostro – Our Sea – ََب ُحُرنا
The Mediterranean, a true maritime treasure, is a world apart, at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. To celebrate this richness, the international collective UV LAB has imagined a unique pavilion, composed...with three openings. Three doors designed like true thresholds, inviting to share and to flow freely, showcasing the region as a territory of movements, built on migrations, exchanges, and interdependencies. An outdoor installation, freely accessible, that wonderfully encapsulates the challenges of this season.
© UV LAB
Jardin du Pharo
From May 15 to October 31, 2026
Immerse yourself in the sounds of the Mediterranean with an intergenerational concert
The very next day, head back to the Jardin du Pharo for a musical event: Heritages of the Future. Three women, three generations, a sound revolution: Najat Aatabou / Emel / Nayra. Featured are three artists representing the cultural movements of their society and the struggles of their times who will take turns on stage to bring us the best of chaâbi, avant-garde electro trip-pop, and rap. A mix of cultures driven by a spirit of sharing and commitment.
Jardin du Pharo
On May 16 at 7 PM
Sharing music with Ars Nova and LABESS
It's at the foot of the northern neighborhoods that the bands Ars Nova Napoli (hailing from Naples, as their name suggests) and LABESS (an Algerian-Quebec collective) invite us for a delightful afternoon filled with sharing and exchange. In the spirit of community celebration, they'll make us vibrate to the rhythm of reimagined traditional songs and warm, mixed sounds, for a human and musical celebration.
Espace Mistral, l’Estaque
On May 17th at 3 PM
Traveling at the crossroads of arts and worlds with Souffle Collectif
That very evening, we'll head to the Centre de la Vieille Charité for a new musical performance imagined by Souffle Collectif. With ‘Ubūr عُبُور Ilā al-‘Ilāj, born from the collaboration between the Egyptian ensemble Mazaher andfrom artists rooted in the Gnawa heritage of Morocco, they offer us a unique creation that beautifully blends musical improvisation and contemporary performance. A true ode to freedom, to the search for identity, and to independence, driven by the construction of a common language.
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Centre de la Vieille Charité
On May 17th at 7:30 PM
We're ending on a high note at the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille!
For one special evening, the Grand Port de Marseille will open its doors to the public, to celebrate the grand opening in style. On the menu: a lavish Mediterranean feast, an enormous maritime brass band (with Raphael Imbert and solists from the Mediterranean basin), children's choirs (including the monumental musical sirens by Franz Clochard), in short, everything you need to highlight the very best of what the Mediterranean has to offer. An extraordinary celebration, culminating in a work designed as a collective trance: Tarab, a physical and sensory dive, open to all audiences, into musical and poetic culture. ```Contemporary ethics of the Levant. A choreography imagined by the Marseilles native Eric Minh Cuong Castaing in collaboration with dancers from Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine, and the Lebanese musician of Palestinian origin Rayess Bek.
© Jérémy Bernard
Grand Maritime Port of Marseille
May 23 from 6 PM to 1 AM
Mediterranean Season 2026
Opening Sequence
Marseille
From May 15 to May 24, 2026
More Info