Why a small town in the French Provence is an unparalleled attraction for art and culture lovers.
Did you know that Arles, much more than just the capital of the Camargue, has evolved into a vibrant center for art, design, and architecture? Our road trip took us on a beautiful spring day in February from a village in the middle of the Provence to Arles – unaware of the extraordinary discoveries that awaited us. Our plan: a day at the LUMA museum and a night at the Hotel L’Arlatan. Arles presented itself as an epicenter of contemporary art, immersing us in the extraordinary world of art, architecture, and design. This discovery was a true revelation – a place where the past and modernity merge in a harmonious symphony, captivating visitors from around the world with its unexpected creative energy and visionary aesthetics.
From afar, we could already recognize the new landmark of the city, LUMA in Arles.
LUMA Arles: A Beacon of Contemporary Art
LUMA is a visionary cultural center that has been a bastion of contemporary art and new media since its opening in 2018. This project was funded by the LUMA Foundation. Under the patronage of Maja Hoffmann, an heir to the Roche fortune and a key figure in the world of contemporary art, LUMA Arles quickly became a magnet for art lovers and cultural creators.
Designed by Frank Gehry, the center’s main building, standing 56 meters tall and reminiscent of a shimmering diamond, captures the light of Provence with its reflective facade, creating a constantly changing spectacle that reflects the dynamism and energy of the art housed within. This architectural icon symbolizes not only the creative power of contemporary art but also the harmonious fusion of art and architecture that characterizes LUMA Arles.
LUMA Arles © Copyright: M. Hoppe
Inside its walls, a world unfolds where art and architecture enter into a symbiotic relationship. Works like Carsten Höller’s “Isometric Slides” and Olafur Eliasson’s monumental, rotating ceiling mirror blur the lines between artistic experience and physical space, inviting visitors to engage with art in an interactive and immersive way.
LUMA Arles © Copyright: M. Hoppe
The grounds, the ‘Parc des Ateliers’ – invite for cultural experiences and relaxation in nature.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Camargue, the Crau, and the Alpilles, this masterpiece, the LUMA Tower, stands in the Parc des Ateliers, a former railway site transformed into a vibrant green oasis. This park, open to the public, reflects the foundation’s commitment to connecting art and nature. It invites visitors to linger and enriches the experience with a selection of cafes and restaurants.
Parc des Ateliers, LUMA Arles © Copyright: M. Hoppe
The exhibitions at LUMA Arles showcase the diversity and richness of the modern art scene. They provide a stage for artists to explore current topics and offer space for discussions, from photography and fine art to multimedia installations. The museum and the entire grounds are freely accessible, designed as an invitation for everyone to stay, discover, and be inspired by art.
Above all, the invitation to encounter: whether in the context of art, nature, or throughout the entire grounds.
The top floor of the LUMA Tower serves as an observation platform, offering breathtaking views of the historic core of Arles with its two amphitheaters, while a floor below, cozy spaces for encounters and exchange invite to enjoy the view even in less favorable weather. LUMA Arles is far more than a museum; it is a successful, lively place for encounter, culture, dialogue, and inspiration, constantly redefining the boundaries of what art can be.
Maja Hoffmann – The Visionary behind the LUMA Foundation and the City Arles.
Maja Hoffmann, the second youngest child in her family, has transformed her father’s passion for nature into a love for art and the revitalization of her birth town. With great dedication, she collects artworks and has enriched Arles with a Van Gogh Museum through her generosity. Moreover, she has invested in the acquisition and renovation of two hotels and opened a gourmet restaurant, enriching the city’s gastronomic offerings. Recently, she also took over the city’s most prestigious four-star hotel, further highlighting her commitment to enhancing Arles. Maja Hoffmann is also the owner of the Hotel L’Arlatan, where we were guests. She was also present at her hotel that evening.
The Hotel L’Arlatan – A Jewel in the Heart of the Old Town.
In the heart of the historic old town stands the Hotel L’Arlatan, a place distinguished by its vibrant patterns and colors. The Cuban-American artist Jorge Pardo has managed to transform the hotel into a livable artwork by painting directly onto walls, doors, and furniture. Pardo, known for his captivating installations, has not only contributed his own paintings but also laid impressive 6,000 square meters of mosaic tiles, made up of nearly two million handmade fragments. The geometric patterns of the tiles run throughout the entire hotel, creating an atmosphere that is both unique and inviting.
Every element of the hotel is an artwork © Copyright: M. Hoppe
Every piece of furniture in Hotel L’Arlatan is a signed piece of art, including the delicate chandeliers and laser-cut metal works designed by Pardo, based on Mexican banderines. The restoration of the building, which dates back to the 5th century, was an extensive project that required a team of 30 painters, architects, designers, and carpenters. The hotel stands over the ruins of a Roman basilica, discovered in the late 1980s when the owners found the foundations of statues and the remnants of a well in the basement.
The hotel, with rooms starting from 149 EUR per night, is not just accommodation but a profound cultural experience that blurs the boundaries between art and living space. It invites its guests to immerse themselves in a world rich in colors, patterns, and history, and offers an unparalleled opportunity to live and sleep in a unique artwork.
The restaurant at L’Arlatan is also worth a visit, distinguished by an exciting menu and incredible hospitality © Copyright: M. Hoppe
Arles: A Microcosm of Inspiration
A short trip to Arles was not just a beautiful break for us; this small town presented itself as an exceptional host. The combination of a visit to LUMA Arles and a stay at the Hotel L’Arlatan offers a unique perspective on what Arles has to offer. Arles proves that art and culture have the power to transform spaces and profoundly connect people. Even though we do not personally define ourselves as connoisseurs of art and culture, Arles gave us the opportunity to truly dive into this world. It was a great joy to experience Arles!
