Marseille prison doors transformed into art at 'Hors cellule' exhibition

In Marseille, the 'Hors cellule' exhibition at Docks Village (May 22–30, 2026) presents 16 repurposed cell doors from the Baumettes prison, transformed by artists including Ben, Hervé di Rosa, Robert Combas, Philippe Geluck, MC Solaar, Passi, Akhenaton, and Pascal Obispo. The doors were salvaged in 2021 during the prison's renovation by demolition company Demcy (Eiffage group) and purchased by gallerist Alexis Pentcheff and his wife Giulia to preserve local heritage. Each door weighs 140 kg and has a wood and a metal side. Artists were given carte blanche; Geluck's door features his famous cat with aphorisms like 'Libérez Geluck' and 'La prison des Beaux Mecs ? Vous y êtes'. Hervé di Rosa painted a large blue eye with red eyebrow on pink. Combas depicted a man behind bars next to a nude woman. MC Solaar wrote cryptic phrases in marker. Prices range from €5,000 to €90,000 (Combas's door is the most expensive). One third of proceeds go to the Beaux Mets prison restaurant, which trains inmates in culinary skills; the rest is split between artists and the gallery.