For a month now, the Inspection Générale des Affaires Culturelles has opened an investigation into workplace distress at the Mucem, echoing the three years of struggle carried out by the employees and representatives of the staff since 2022 and the arrival of the new management.
Now its president is the subject of a preliminary investigation for sexual and moral harassment in a climate of growing tension and discomfort. The question now arises about whether he should remain at the helm of the institution.
The fight continues.
SUD Culture Mucem
April 8, 2026
Press Review
Marseille: Mucem management under investigation by the ministry and justice – Blast, March 31, 2026
In just over a decade, the Mucem has become one of the symbols of Marseille and its renewal. Today, it is going through a severe crisis. Its president, Pierre-Olivier Costa, a close associate of the Macron couple, is facing allegations of harassment and accusations of toxic management from employees and unions. The Inspection Générale des Affaires Culturelles has initiated an administrative inquiry, and the Marseille public prosecutor’s office has also opened an investigation.
Mucem President in Marseille accused of moral and sexual harassment – Franceinfo, March 31, 2026
The Mucem, the Marseille museum of civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, is under investigation following a complaint against its president, Pierre-Olivier Costa, accused of moral and sexual harassment, as reported by the Radio France investigation unit on Tuesday, March 31, confirming information from Blast. The investigation was opened by the Marseille public prosecutor’s office. Meanwhile, an administrative investigation is also ongoing.
At Mucem, President Pierre-Olivier Costa accused on all fronts, Le Monde, April 4, 2026
“We can’t work anymore. The employees are in a state of total astonishment.” At the MuCEM, the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean located at the entrance of the port of Marseille, the storm triggered by the dual investigation into the presidency of Pierre-Olivier Costa shakes the walls and minds. And the staff representatives try to weather the wave.
