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Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles and its collection

Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles
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The Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles, colloquially known as the Blue Museum, is a significant archaeological institution located in Arles. It was officially opened to the public in 1995 and has since been a hub for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection and its focus on the history of Arles and its surrounding areas, from prehistoric times to the end of the Roman era.

The Late Roman Sarcophagi Collection

One of the highlights of the Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles is its collection of late Roman sarcophagi. This collection is considered second only to the Vatican Museums in Rome in terms of both quantity and quality. These sarcophagi, with their intricate designs and symbolism, provide a fascinating insight into the transition from pagan to Christian symbolism during the late Roman period.

Location of the Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles

The Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles is conveniently located southwest of the old town. It is separated from the old town by the N113, and is nestled between the Rhone and Canal de l’Ecluse. An added point of interest is that the museum is situated right next to the remains of the Circus, an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, which adds to the historical ambiance of the area.

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FRMusée Départemental Arles Antique
DEMusée départemental Arles antique
ITMusée de l'Arles antique
FRMusée de l'Arles et de la Provence Antiques
FRMusée de l'Arles Antique
ENArles Antique Departmental Museum
ENMuseum of Ancient Arles and Provence

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Archaeology Ancient art Religion

#2 History & Anthropology in Arles #192 History & Anthropology in France #52 Nature & Natural History in France #26 Ancient art museums in France #19 Archaeology museums in France #23 Religion museums in France

#2 History & Anthropology in Arles #192 History & Anthropology in France #52 Nature & Natural History in France #26 Ancient art museums in France #19 Archaeology museums in France #23 Religion museums in France
Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles
Presqu'île du Cirque Romain
13200 Arles

Images of Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles

Visitor information Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles

Opening hours

Monday
9:30 – 18:00
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday
9:30 – 18:00
Thursday
9:30 – 18:00
Friday
9:30 – 18:00
Saturday
9:30 – 18:00
Sunday
9:30 – 18:00

Admission

Reduced€4.50
Normal rate€6.00

Please check the website for more details on ticket prices.

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles.

Location & Map

Presqu'île du Cirque Romain, Arles

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles have been found.

Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles Reviews

Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles, located in the historic city of Arles, France, offers visitors a comprehensive look into the rich Roman history of the region. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including well-preserved mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects from the Roman era.

    Visitors often praise the museum's extensive collection and its ability to provide context to the ancient ruins found throughout Arles. The highlight for many is the large collection of Roman artifacts, particularly the intricate mosaics that are beautifully displayed. The museum does an excellent job of presenting the history of Arles during the Roman period, making it a valuable stop for those interested in ancient history.

    The museum is housed in a modern building that provides a stark contrast to the ancient artifacts it contains. While some visitors appreciate this juxtaposition, others find the building's design less appealing. The layout of the exhibits is generally well-organized, allowing for a logical flow through the different periods of Arles' history.

    One aspect that receives mixed reviews is the amount of information provided in languages other than French. While there are some translations available, non-French speakers may find themselves wishing for more detailed explanations in other languages. However, the visual nature of many exhibits helps mitigate this issue to some extent.

    The museum's location, near other historical sites in Arles, makes it a convenient stop on a tour of the city's Roman heritage. Many visitors recommend combining a visit to the museum with exploring the nearby Roman amphitheater and other ancient sites to get a full picture of Arles' historical significance.

    Overall, the Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles provides a solid and informative experience for those interested in Roman history and archaeology. While it may not be the most interactive or modern museum, its strong collection and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts and those looking to deepen their understanding of ancient Arles.

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