The Préau des Accoules is not a museum in the strict sense of the term but is conceived as a space for discoveries and encounters Since 1991 it has strived to provide children a first encounter with artworks and works reflecting cultural heritage. The Musées de Marseilles' rich assortment of collections allows us to organize innovative educational visits based on quality works. An impressive number of exhibitions were thus conceived and realized around the most varied themes, from archeology to contemporary art, journeys to Papouasia or Provence, encounters with artists, scientists, or ordinary folk… These events are at once playful and rigourous. They activate the eye, the ear, and the imagination, and expression to tell stories. Everything is calculated to make the first visit to a museum a memorable moment of pleasure and discovery which can stimulate the desire to return. The childrens' space thus wishes to function as the museums' "préau" (covered playground), lending itself to contemplation, reverie, encounters, awakenings, and curiosity.