Arles and Provence Antiques Museum

Arles, France

The Musée départemental Arles antique is an archeological museum housed in a modern building designed and built in 1995 by the architect Henri Ciriani. The museum houses a large collection of antiquities, including monumental Roman sculptures from the local region. Among the exhibits is a model of the multiple overshot water mills which existed at Barbegal, and have been referred to as 'the greatest known concentration of mechanical power in the ancient world'. The Arles Rhône 3, an ancient Roman boat discovered in 2011, is on display since 2013.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1995
Category: Museums in France

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Craig Bromberg (2 years ago)
Located just outside the old city of Arles...about a 15 minute walk from the edge of the city or a 4 minute drive...this is a spacious and modern museum focusing on the Roman history of Arles. While the show case is the old freight barge recently unearthed and proudly displayed I found the models representing the important structures within Arles to be more fascinating as it gave a sense of scale and perspective. The museum does not take a lot of time to walk through, about 30-45 minutes and if you are into Roman history than it is certainly a worthwhile visit. PARKING: There is small lot on site (about 40 spots) + an additional lot up the street (less than 5 minute walk) for another 65 spots. If during peak season and you had already found a parking spot in the city, I would think it would be better to walk from the city than to attempt finding a parking spot.
Dan St. John (2 years ago)
Fascinating display highlighting the history of Arles from the Late Neolithic through the decline of the Romans. So many New discoveries just in this century like the 30 m barge uncovered after a flood in the Rhône in 2002. Most descriptions are not in English so I would suggest getting the auto guide which was excellent. Loved the open and spacious building layout conducive to letting your eye lead you to the next interesting exhibit. I did not find the large area of sarcophagus at the end very interesting but the tiles were. Great bargain with the Arles monument and museum pass, Take “A” bus for 1 euro from George Clemenceau Boulevard.
Anisa Lowrey (2 years ago)
Great archeological museum about the Roman history of the region of Arles, France. Artifacts including some fabulous mosaics and a 2000 year old barge pulled from the bottom of the Rhone. Also has models of the Arles colosseum and theatre. You can visit those ruins in Arles also.
Lee R (2 years ago)
Great museum of Roman art and antiquities in Arles. The big barge and the almost perfectly preserved mosaics are unique objects, that you will only find here.
Nicholas Fischer (2 years ago)
A great story of Ancient Arles. If you look closely at the excellent dioramas, you will find some great laughs that take you through time.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.