On the roof of Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse, Marseille-based designer Ora-Ïto installed MAMO in 2013—a contemporary art center that, for twelve years, fostered a dialogue between brutalist architecture and cutting-edge creation. With the project for the future Frioul Islands Museum, Ora-Ïto continues to leave his mark on Marseille. A portrait of the designer and a practical guide to 2026 from the Hôtel Belle-Vue.
Who is Ora-Ïto?
Born in 1977 in Marseille, Ora-Ïto (whose real name is Ito Morabito) began his career at 19 with a clever ploy: he imagined and photoshopped products that he attributed to major brands (Adidas, Apple, Vuitton), distributed them online, and generated an international buzz before even signing a single real contract. The brands eventually started placing orders with him.
In 2002, he won the Oscar for best design for his Heineken aluminum bottle — a piece that has become iconic. In 2005, the French Cultural Center in Milan dedicated its first major exhibition to him. At 35, he decided to return to Marseille and launched the project that would definitively place him on the world design map: the MAMO.
MAMO: Marseille Modulor — an art center on a rooftop terrace
The name MAMO comes from the concept Modulator by Le Corbusier, this standardized human silhouette (1,80 m with arm raised to 2,26 m) serves as the unit of measurement for the entire Radiant City. The MAMO is installed on the roof terrace of the Cité Radieuse, in the former gymnasium, 60 meters above the ground, with a 360° view of Marseille — Notre-Dame de la Garde to the north, the Frioul islands to the west, the Calanques to the south.
Opened during Marseille's year as European Capital of Culture in 2013, the MAMO has hosted solo exhibitions of major contemporary artists for over a decade: Xavier Veilhan ("Architectones"), Daniel Buren, Felice Varini, Jean-Pierre Raynaud, Vhils, and Stéphane Calais. The concept: invite a contemporary artist to engage in a dialogue with Le Corbusier's historic architecture.
Ora-Ïto's ecological commitment
Beyond the design, Ora-Ïto is a committed environmentalistHe served on the jury for the first edition of the Ecology Awards in Paris, which promotes responsible consumption. He has long incorporated recycled or reclaimed materials into his own creations.
- ECCO Library (2008) — entirely made with recycled materials from certified forests
- Stepevi rug collection (2011) — made with scraps of traditional craft fabric
- Furniture and lighting designed using an eco-design approach (sustainable materials, demountability, local production)
This commitment resonates with that of the Hotel Belle-Vue, the first Marseille hotel to be awarded the Green Key label since 2012 — see our article Marseille's first Green Key hotel since 2012.
The 2026 project: an Ora-Ïto museum in the Frioul Islands
Ora-Ïto's ambition doesn't stop at the Cité Radieuse. As early as 2006, he acquired the Fort de Brégantin on the Frioul archipelago and is launching an ecological development project. After several years of administrative dormancy, the project has now been revived: the aim is to transform the fort into museum of contemporary art and open-air sculpture park, a 30-minute shuttle ride from the Old Port.
To stay up-to-date on this major project, see our dedicated article. Frioul Islands: Will the future Ora-ïto museum change your stay in Marseille?
Visiting MAMO from the Hotel Belle-Vue
- Address : 280 boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille (Cité Radieuse Le Corbusier)
- Access from the Hotel Belle-Vue Metro line 2 to Rond-Point du Prado, then bus 22 (5 min) — total 25 minutes
- Hours Open during the summer season, check the calendar on mamo.fr
- Price : rooftop terrace entrance around €5, MAMO around €8
- Winning combination MAMO in the morning + Prado beaches in the afternoon (10 min walk)
To go further, read our A complete guide to Le Corbusier in Marseille.
FAQ — Ora-Ïto and the MAMO
Is MAMO open all year round?
No — MAMO operates primarily seasonally (spring-summer) with limited-time exhibitions. Outside of the season, access to the rooftop terrace of the Cité Radieuse remains possible for the view. Check the calendar on mamo.fr before your visit.
Is the rooftop terrace of the Cité Radieuse freely accessible?
No — access is charged and limited to certain times to preserve the peace and quiet of residents. Purchase on site or online at the Cité Radieuse website.
Where can I see other creations by Ora-Ïto in Marseille?
Several public commissions are scattered throughout the city (street furniture, signage). And soon — if the project succeeds — the museum at Fort Brégantin on the Frioul islands.
Is it possible to have lunch on site?
Yes — the restaurant The Architect's Belly Located on the ground floor of the Cité Radieuse, this restaurant offers seasonal cuisine in an original setting, complete with Charlotte Perriand lamps. Reservations are recommended.
Book your design stay in Marseille
The hotel Belle-Vue is the strategic address to combine modern architecture (Cité Radieuse, MAMO) and the historical heritage of the Old Port. Book your room facing the Old Port.
