The central fountain sculpture depicts the goddess of the Durance river flanked by allegorical figures representing wheat and grapes.
The zoological garden that once occupied the rear grounds featured exotic animal cages still visible in the park today.
The structure serves as a massive water tower, designed to hide the final reservoir of the Canal de Marseille.
Henri-Jacques Espérandieu also designed the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica in Marseille.
The monument was officially inaugurated in 1869 to commemorate the completion of the 85-kilometer canal project.
Palais Longchamp is a 19th-century water tower and monument built to celebrate the arrival of the Canal de Marseille, which resolved the city's chronic water shortages. Designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, the structure consists of a grand central colonnade linking two wings that house the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. At its center stands a monumental fountain featuring three massive stone sculptures representing the Durance river and its agricultural bounty. Behind the colonnade lies a semicircular park that formerly housed a zoological garden, evidenced by the remaining 19th-century animal enclosures. The palace acts as the terminus for the canal, which historically supplied the city with water from the Durance River. The architectural style is a blend of Second Empire and Baroque, emphasizing the prosperity brought by the water supply. The surrounding park, known as Parc Longchamp, features tiered gardens and shaded walkways.
The center of the plaza facing the grand fountain captures the full scale of the colonnade and water works.
Walk behind the palace colonnade to explore the remnants of the former zoological garden.
Visit the park's lower levels for a quieter experience away from the main monument fountain.
Check the museum calendars, as they often hold temporary exhibitions that require additional time.
Do not overlook the rear gardens, as many tourists only view the front fountain and leave.
The park and the museum buildings often have different operating patterns; the museums are typically closed on Mondays.
