The museum was funded using the prize money Frédéric Mistral received for his 1904 Nobel Prize in Literature.
The site contains structural remains of a Roman forum basilica dating back to the 1st century AD.
It is classified as a 'Musée de France', a status granted by the French Ministry of Culture.
The collection includes specialized tools once used by traditional Arlesian trades, such as shepherds and salt workers.
The museum building features a 16th-century Renaissance courtyard that has been preserved during modern updates.
Founded by Nobel laureate Frédéric Mistral in 1896, the Museon Arlaten is a regional ethnography museum dedicated to the preservation of Provençal culture and identity. The institution is housed within the site of an ancient Roman basilica and the 16th-century Hôtel de Castellane-Laval. Following an extensive multi-year renovation, the museum reopened in 2021 with a modernized layout and improved accessibility. The collection features over 36,000 objects, including traditional costumes, tools, religious artifacts, and domestic items from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The exhibits trace the history of the Rhône delta, highlighting rural lifestyles, local crafts, and folklore. Architecture enthusiasts can view the restored Roman foundations visible within the museum structure. It serves as the primary repository for the intangible cultural heritage of Provence.
The restored 16th-century inner courtyard, which showcases the transition between Renaissance architecture and modern display elements.
Take time to observe the Roman foundations integrated into the basement levels of the museum.
Look for the audiovisual displays that provide context to the historical costumes and daily rituals.
The museum is climate-controlled, making it an excellent escape from the intense summer heat of Arles.
Do not rush through the basement level, as the archaeological Roman ruins are often overlooked by visitors focused only on the folklore exhibits.
Closed on Mondays.
