LUMA Arles, Parc des Ateliers

On our way from Toulon to Toulouse, we stopped in Arles to visit LUMA Arles, the contemporary art museum — and what a wonderful surprise! We’re not used to seeing contemporary art complexes of this quality in the south of France. The Frank Gehry building is absolutely stunning — an architectural masterpiece that’s worth the visit on its own. We only had time to see 3 of the 11 exhibitions, but they were so beautifully curated that we’re already planning to come back and spend an entire day exploring the rest. We loved the permanent collection and were thrilled to see works by Roni Horn, Wolfgang Tillmans, Ellsworth Kelly, Jeff Koons, and Andy Warhol — such an impressive lineup! And don’t miss the slide from the top floor of the tower — it’s totally worth it and so much fun! A brilliant cultural destination that combines architecture, art, and creativity in a truly inspiring way. Highly recommended.

✨Absolutely free to enter—even the iconic tower and garden!✨ A Roman arena on one side, a futuristic art spaceship on the other — LUMA Arles. In a city known for Roman ruins, LUMA Arles rises like an Iron Man HQ dropped into the South of France. It’s bold, it’s shiny, and it’s so modern — and I loved it. The gardens surrounding the museum are beautifully curated, but the real wow factor? The panoramic view from the observatory. Standing up there, gazing out over the rooftops and beyond the horizon, I felt like I finally understood the peaceful solitude Van Gogh might have felt in this little town. Best part? Free admission. To both the museum and the viewing platform. A world-class contemporary art center offering all of that for free? Absolute gem💖 P.S. That giant slide looked so tempting… but I wasn’t ready to risk my puffer jacket. Next time! 😆

We visited LUMA on a Wednesday afternoon with our children (8 and 11 yo). We bought tickets at the entrance of the tower so that we could visit the ongoing exhibitions (no fee for children). The exhibitions were very interesting and we ended up spending our whole afternoon in the tower. The kids loved the projects and the information provided is really interesting and provides a lot of context and background for each one. The tower is full of interesting views and places with permanent art creations. The slide was of course the highlight for everyone. You can also access the roof open space for a nice view of Arles and the surrounding area. The public (and free) space around the tower is also really nice. There are some exhibitions in a couple of buildings were you need the tower ticket to access, but the garden, the small lake, the walking path and the overall LUMA area are free and beautiful. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Arles or a nearby city.

The building is striking and well worth a wander around even if only from the outside. There is a park and cafes where you can get drinks and snacks. We got a ticket and it covers all the exhibitions. We found them interesting, some more than others but all were enjoyable. There are interactive ones as well. Staff are very helpful as the layout takes some time to comprehend. You can go upstairs to the 8 and 9 floors where you get a great view of Arles and the surrounding areas. Well worth a visit.

What a great cultured day. A must must for anyone in the south next to Luma! Even if you arent, the building and art expos are definitely worth the drive. Lunch/dinner place available as an outdoor cafteria area with multiple options near by.

Spectacular art gallery with a very fun slide that you can visit for free. Cafe is excellent, everything about the place is perfectly designed. There's a panoramic view over Arles from the roof

As a mere traveller, I arrived at LUMA Arles with an open mind and modest expectations. Yet, as an entrepreneur immersed in the realms of information technology, I found myself utterly disarmed by the depth of contemplation this remarkable institution provokes., Wandering through its visionary halls—part sanctuary, part laboratory, I was struck not merely by its architectural audacity, but by the quiet urgency that pervades its mission. In an age increasingly defined by artificial intelligence and the looming horizon of quantum computing, one cannot help but feel an existential tremor: What becomes of culture? Of human insight? Of education for our children—not merely what they shall know, but how they shall think, and more importantly, how they shall feel? LUMA Arles does not presume to offer facile answers. Instead, it proposes a space for inquiry - profound, at times disconcerting, and certainly necessary. One leaves not with certainty, but with sharper questions and, perhaps, a renewed reverence for the human spirit amidst accelerating automation. An indispensable visit for any thinker concerned with the interplay of technology, art, and humanity.

Luma Arles is a mesmerizing fusion of art and culture, set within Frank Gehry's stunning architecture. Its diverse exhibitions and dynamic programs inspire creativity, while the serene park and passionate staff enhance the experience. A must-visit destination that beautifully blends contemporary art with the charm of Provence, leaving visitors captivated and inspired.