Musee Reattu (Reattu Museum), Arles

The Reattu Museum in Arles offers an engaging blend of fine art, local heritage, and modern creativity within a historic riverside setting. Its origins trace back to the late 18th century when Jacques Réattu, a prominent Arles-born painter and Grand Prix de Rome laureate, acquired the former Commandery of the Knights of Malta and transformed part of the building into his residence and studio. After his death in 1833, the property and his artistic collection remained in the family until the mid-20th century, when the City of Arles purchased the estate and opened the museum in 1965, turning Réattu’s legacy into a cornerstone of local cultural identity.

The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 800 of Réattu’s paintings and drawings, reflecting the classical and romantic influences of his era. What makes the museum particularly compelling, however, is its strong commitment to contemporary art. In the 1960s, it became one of the first museums in France to recognize photography as a fine art, establishing an important collection that now features many notable contributors to the city’s renowned photography festival. By 2001, the photography collection had grown to around 4,000 works.

The museum also displays a set of original works donated by Pablo Picasso, who expressed his fondness for Arles — the city that had once inspired Van Gogh — by sending drawings and ceramics to support the museum’s growth.

The building itself adds an additional layer of fascination. The former knightly fortress, with its thick stone walls, vaulted halls, and views of the Rhône, adds a sense of historic character to the artistic experience. Sculptures, multimedia installations, and rotating exhibitions further animate the museum’s interior courtyard and galleries, making each visit unique.