Museon Arlaten — Local services in Arles

Freshly arriving in Arles, we did not have a detailed plan of action on what to see. After parking in front of the large Roman amphitheater, we walked a short distance to the Museon Arlaten as I have found that the most interesting museums are the local/city ones, that focus on the unique aspects of the local culture.

I was wonderfully surprised by the Museon Arlaten, in fact it was one of the nicest and well design museums I have ever visited (out of hundreds). What impressed me most, was the care and attention to presenting the various art and artefacts to the visitors. The style and manner created a visual interest that would inherently attract one to look at it more closely, therefore gaining a greater appreciation of what was being presented. Additionally, the architecture and layout of the building is equally of interest and striking, and one needs to look around and consider the plan/walk throughout the building, how it transports visitors along a journey within its three floors.

The items presented are of interest relating to the unique history of the area (note it is minimally focused on Roman times and more on 15th century onwards). Well done to all involved in (re) designing this museum and it is well...

MA brilliant and surprising museum - well worth a visit

We only visited this museum as the exterior looked interesting and it was included for free on our 'Pass de Liberté' which we bought to access the Roman Theatre and Arena - but what a treat it was! Fascinating exhibits showing local life through the centuries including costumes, and implements from farming, fishing, agriculture etc.

The building itself is fascinating - Roman remains in the basement, a Jesuit chapel on floor l and a series of modern rooms with interesting architecture and pictures. It includes exhibits staged by Christian Lacroix who was born locally.

Good use of audio visual elements for younger visitors - and lots of signage in English so easy...

Well that was something! Can't say I have ever experienced a museum like this, although I'm not that experienced with ethnographical museums.

Difficult to know where to start really. It tells the story of Provencal culture on many levels including by way of museological developments over the last century or so.

It's often quite breathtaking in its presentations. And if I'm sounding vague it's because my mind is still trying to rationalise what I've just spent an hour doing.

Staff friendly. Shop ok but no English editions of Mistral's works (do they exist?), no French editions either. But they do have a good English catalogue of the collection.

Meanwhile, I've exited to the...