Peter Mayle
Musée de l'Arles Antique, Arles
The ultra-modern, triangular architecture of the Musée de l'Arles Antique.
Adam and Eve on the 4th-century "Sarcophagus of the Spouses.".
Greek inscription.
Roman mosaic.
View of museum in the Late Antique section, with sarcophagi on the left.
Chi-Rho ring.
Roman religious figurines.
Head of Mithras.
The sleek, modern Musée de l'Arles Antique (Museum of Ancient Arles), is outside the city center of Arles but well worth the walk for those interested in ancient history. For those with cars, it is exceptionally handy; located right by the freeway and with its own spacious car park.
History
The unusual, ultra-modern triangular structure, designed by Henri Ciriani stands on the site of Arles' enormous Roman circus. The Musée de l'Arles Antique opened in 1995, replacing and combining the collections of the former Museum of Christian Art and Museum of Pagan Art.
What to See
The museum evokes Arles at the peak of its importance. It encompasses models of ancient monuments, objects from daily life in Roman times, and a variety of religious art ranging from the prehistoric period to the 6th century AD.
Among the displays are one of the world's most famous collections of 4th-century Roman Christian sarcophagi as well as sculptures, mosaics, jewelry and inscriptions. Eleven detailed models show ancient monuments of the region as they existed in the past.
Many of the Christian sarcophagi are from the necropolis of the Alyscamps and the early Christian burial place of St. Genest in the modern suburb of Trinquetaille. Mostly dating from the 4th century AD, the sarcophagi are richly decorated with some of the earliest surviving Christian sculpture, depicting a combination of scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
We have many photos from our recent visit to the museum and this article will be more detailed and enhanced with a photo gallery shortly!
Quick Facts
| Names: | Musée de l'Arles Antique; Musée de l'Arles et de la Provence Antique; Museum of Ancient Arles |
| Address: | Presqu'île du Cirque Romain, Arles, France |
| Web: | www.arles-antique.cg13.fr |
| E-mail: | info.mapa@cg13.fr |
| Phone: | 04-90-18-88-88 |
| Hours: | Feb 11-Nov 1 daily 9am-7pm; Nov 2-Feb 10 daily 10am-5 pm |
| Cost: | €5.50 adults; free under 18; free on first Sunday of the month |
| Facilities: | Toilets; vending machines; bookshop; somewhat feeble air-conditioning; disabled access. |
| Photography: | Permitted with no flash. Artifacts are well-lit. |
| Tips: | Allow about an hour for your visit. Ask for the English booklet at the front desk, as all labels and signs are in French only. |
Travel Resources
- Guided Tours of Arles - city tours and excursions
- Reviews of Arles Hotels - unbiased opinions from fellow travelers
- Arles Hostels & Budget Hotels - budget lodging with no booking fees
- Arles Travel Forum - tips, advice and answers
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Museum of Ancient Arles. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Arles Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Personal visit (June 29, 2008).
- Official website
