Old Charity Center, Cultural complex in Panier district, France
The Old Charity Center is a museum complex in the Panier district with a central courtyard ringed by three levels of galleries. The building houses multiple cultural institutions dedicated to archaeology and art from different regions.
Construction started in 1670 under architect Pierre Puget as a shelter for the poor following a royal order. Over time the building was transformed and now serves as a space for cultural collections and exhibitions.
The galleries display art and artifacts from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, arranged around the central courtyard for visitors to explore. The collections show how people from these regions created and lived through their objects.
The center is open Tuesday through Sunday, making it easy to plan a visit on most days of the week. The location in the Panier district is accessible and the open courtyard layout allows visitors to move freely between the gallery levels.
The chapel inside features an oval dome built with pink and white stone from the Couronne quarry, showcasing baroque design innovation. This architectural detail reflects the skilled craftsmanship applied during construction.
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