Museon Arlaten (Arlesian Museum), Arles

Arlesian Museum is an ethnographic museum, housed in the historic Laval‑Castellane residence. The building is a protected monument and provides a stately setting for preserving regional heritage.

It was founded in 1899 by the celebrated Provençal poet Frédéric Mistral, who envisioned the museum as a “Pantheon of Provence,” dedicated to collecting and celebrating the everyday objects and traditions that define regional identity. With poetry and passion, he aimed to transform humble crafts and customs into a lasting cultural legacy.

The museum’s collections bring Provençal life to vivid life, featuring traditional costumes, folk furniture, ceramics, tools, and agricultural implements, along with richly detailed dioramas, paintings, and photographs. It paints a complete picture of the region-from domestic life to ritual, from rural labor to festive traditions.

Exhibitions are enhanced by innovative museography: digital labels in multiple languages, mirrored staircases, and scenographic displays help create an immersive, dynamic visitor experience. Reopened in May 2021, its revival included meticulous restoration of architecture and the addition of contemporary facilities like a conservation center, multimedia guides, and a reimagined exhibition layout.