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Museums in Arles, France | |
| Arles has long been associated with art—think Van Gogh—and has a number of excellent museums. | ||
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Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888-1889, inspired by the beautiful Provençal light. He did some of his most famous paintings while in Arles, and a walking tour takes the visitor by the sites of some of his paintings. The Tourist Information Office can provide maps. L'espace Van GoghYou can also visit L'espace Van Gogh, Place Félix Rey (map), site of the former hospital where Van Gogh was committed after he cut off his ear. The artist painted the hospital garden in Le Jardin de l'Hôtel de Dieu. The hospital gardens have been groomed to restore them to the time of Van Gogh's painting. Today the former hospital houses the city's public library, a café, and several souvenir shops and boutiques. Musée RéattuThe Musée Réattu, the Arles Fine Arts Museum at 10 rue du Grand Prieuré, is near the Rhône, not far from the Baths of Constantine. Jacques Réattu (1760-1833), a painter who was born and lived in Arles, won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1791. The museum contains many of Réattu's works, other 16th to 18th century European paintings, a large photography collection, and drawings by Pablo Picasso. Museon ArlatenThe Museon Arlaten, 31 rue de la République, is the ethnographical museum of the region. It focuses on Provençal traditions with exhibits of regional costumes, tools, furniture, and other artifacts. Founded by Provençal poet and Nobel laureate Frédéric Mistral (1830-1914) in 1896, it has recently undergone extensive renovations. Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence antiquesThe Musée Départemental Arles Antique, a modern building overlooking the Rhône on the Presqu'île du Cirque Romain, has a large collection of Roman artifacts and other artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the 6th century. A wonderful collection of sarcophagi includes both Roman and later Christian examples. It's a great way to get a look at the fascinating history of this area.
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Above, Bright doorway of the Musée Réattu, Arles.
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