With its grand baroque style and triumphal arch, the Palais Longchamp was built to commemorate the creation of the River Durance aqueduct that brought much-needed fresh water to Marseille; the impressive stepped fountains that flow down from the center continue that theme. The city's natural history and art collections were moved to the palace when it opened in 1869.
Highlights of the Fine Arts Museum include works by Rubens, Courbet, Rodin, and Millet, while the Natural History Museum is known for its extensive collection of taxidermy animals, some of which are more than 100 years old. Surrounding the palace, the spacious Parc Longchamp has charming ornamental gardens and plenty of shaded areas.