As a research center for oceanography and marine biology, the marine station hosts conferences open to the public one Wednesday a month, with expert speakers. See online calendar.
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The Endoume marine station, founded in 1882 by Professor Antoine-Fortuné Marion, is a research institute in oceanography and marine biology.
Built between 1883 and 1886 on the site of a former coastal battery, it played a central role in the study of marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Marseille.
As early as 1891, the station opened Marseille's first public aquarium, attracting numerous visitors curious to discover the local marine fauna. In 1894, a marine nature reserve was established opposite the station, reinforcing its commitment to the conservation and study of marine environments.
Under the direction of Jean-Marie Pérès, from 1948 to 1983, the station underwent significant expansion and diversified its fields of research, including benthic bionomics, microbiology, sedimentology, hydrology and biochemistry. It was also the birthplace of France's first DEA (post-graduate diploma) in oceanography and biology, created in 1954.
Today, the Endoume marine station continues to make a significant contribution to scientific research, housing specialized laboratories and conducting studies on marine biodiversity, ecology and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. It remains a pillar of French oceanography, combining historical heritage with contemporary scientific advances.
The building :
The building features a single wing, flanked by an elegant, rounded turret housing the main staircase. It extends onto a vast terrace. Inaugurated in 1889 by Antoine-Fortuné Marion, the building has undergone several phases of enlargement under the impetus of Jean-Marie Pérès, including a first restoration in 1954.
Successive extensions have gradually transformed the architectural aspect of the site.
In 1958, Building 2 was constructed perpendicular to the first building, on the seaward side. It housed laboratories and the station manager's private accommodation.
In 1963, an extension was added on the north side. Building 3 included laboratories, workshops, a plankton net storage area and bedrooms.
In 1966, a fourth, separate building was erected. Overlooking Anse des Cuivres, it housed laboratories, a conference room, practical rooms and a refectory.
While these extensions considerably increased the station's capacity and scientific infrastructure, they also altered the aesthetics of the original building.
On October 12, 1989, to mark the centenary of the Endoume marine station, Jean-Marie Pérès and Robert Vigouroux, then Mayor of Marseille, unveiled a commemorative plaque in tribute to its founder, sealed beneath the sculpted profile of Antoine-Fortuné Marion.
Built between 1883 and 1886 on the site of a former coastal battery, it played a central role in the study of marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Marseille.
As early as 1891, the station opened Marseille's first public aquarium, attracting numerous visitors curious to discover the local marine fauna. In 1894, a marine nature reserve was established opposite the station, reinforcing its commitment to the conservation and study of marine environments.
Under the direction of Jean-Marie Pérès, from 1948 to 1983, the station underwent significant expansion and diversified its fields of research, including benthic bionomics, microbiology, sedimentology, hydrology and biochemistry. It was also the birthplace of France's first DEA (post-graduate diploma) in oceanography and biology, created in 1954.
Today, the Endoume marine station continues to make a significant contribution to scientific research, housing specialized laboratories and conducting studies on marine biodiversity, ecology and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. It remains a pillar of French oceanography, combining historical heritage with contemporary scientific advances.
The building :
The building features a single wing, flanked by an elegant, rounded turret housing the main staircase. It extends onto a vast terrace. Inaugurated in 1889 by Antoine-Fortuné Marion, the building has undergone several phases of enlargement under the impetus of Jean-Marie Pérès, including a first restoration in 1954.
Successive extensions have gradually transformed the architectural aspect of the site.
In 1958, Building 2 was constructed perpendicular to the first building, on the seaward side. It housed laboratories and the station manager's private accommodation.
In 1963, an extension was added on the north side. Building 3 included laboratories, workshops, a plankton net storage area and bedrooms.
In 1966, a fourth, separate building was erected. Overlooking Anse des Cuivres, it housed laboratories, a conference room, practical rooms and a refectory.
While these extensions considerably increased the station's capacity and scientific infrastructure, they also altered the aesthetics of the original building.
On October 12, 1989, to mark the centenary of the Endoume marine station, Jean-Marie Pérès and Robert Vigouroux, then Mayor of Marseille, unveiled a commemorative plaque in tribute to its founder, sealed beneath the sculpted profile of Antoine-Fortuné Marion.
The Endoume marine station, founded in 1882 by Professor Antoine-Fortuné Marion, is a research institute in oceanography and marine biology.
Built between 1883 and 1886 on the site of a former coastal battery, it played a central role in the study of marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Marseille.
As early as 1891, the station opened Marseille's first public aquarium, attracting numerous visitors curious to discover the local marine fauna. In 1894, a marine nature reserve was established...
Built between 1883 and 1886 on the site of a former coastal battery, it played a central role in the study of marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Marseille.
As early as 1891, the station opened Marseille's first public aquarium, attracting numerous visitors curious to discover the local marine fauna. In 1894, a marine nature reserve was established...
Openings
All year 2025 - Open everyday
