The Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles was built on the site of the old Roman circus in 1995, to house the very rich archaeological collections of one of Bouches-du-Rhône's most beautiful cities.
The architect Henri Ciriani thus devised a "museum city" project that lets visitors explore the museum thematically and in chronological order, from the pre-Roman period to the post-Roman period, by strolling around as if they were in a city.
Through its various collections, the museum invites you to discover Arles in prehistoric and ancient times: Prehistory, Protohistory, the Early Roman Empire and Late Antiquity, but also the economic history of the city, a hub close to the ancient city of Massalia, funeral rites, and a superb set of mosaics.
The Museum of Ancient Arles is a very pleasant place to wander around, thanks to its large windows letting in natural light, and the variations of subtle lighting designed to enhance the look of the collections.
Guided tours are available to individuals, groups and schools alike. For example, the 1h30 trail named "the museum in 15 masterpieces" includes a look at the bust presumed to be of Jules Caesar, as well as models of monuments, mosaics, sculptures and sarcophaguses.
Be sure to explore the Hortus garden, a Roman-inspired garden designed to look like a circus, with its lawn for strolling, themed areas and water features.
