Luma Arles Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide to Arles Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The Significance of Luma Arles in Arles, France

Luma Arles is a transformative cultural campus in the heart of Arles, France, that combines cutting-edge contemporary art, visionary architecture, and the storied heritage of Provence. Established by Swiss philanthropist Maja Hoffmann and the LUMA Foundation, Luma Arles has reimagined the former industrial Parc des Ateliers into a vibrant center fostering artistic and scientific collaboration. At its core stands Frank Gehry’s iconic 56-meter tower, inspired by Van Gogh’s brushstrokes and the Alpilles landscape—an architectural beacon symbolizing the dialogue between innovation and tradition.

Visitors experience more than just exhibitions: Luma Arles offers artist residencies, sustainable design initiatives, and hosts major cultural events such as Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival. This guide provides essential details for planning your visit, including hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, and highlights of Arles’ remarkable Roman and medieval historical sites. Whether you are an art lover, history enthusiast, or curious traveler, Luma Arles is a must-see destination in Provence (France.fr; The Art Newspaper; LUMA Foundation).

Table of Contents

What is Luma Arles?

Luma Arles is an interdisciplinary institution dedicated to contemporary art, creative innovation, and sustainability. Set within Parc des Ateliers—a repurposed 19th-century railway yard—the campus houses exhibition spaces, artist studios, research labs, landscaped gardens, and public amenities. Its signature is the Frank Gehry-designed tower, a spectacular structure that has become a new symbol of Arles.

Unlike traditional museums, Luma Arles operates as a platform for experimentation and social engagement, supporting projects that span art, ecology, technology, and education. The foundation aims to inspire local and global communities, nurture emerging talents, and drive sustainable transformation in the region (France.fr; LUMA Foundation).


History and Mission of the LUMA Foundation

Founded in 2004 by Maja Hoffmann, the LUMA Foundation champions artistic creation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its mission encompasses:

  • Supporting innovative artists and thinkers
  • Promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility
  • Engaging local communities and fostering cultural exchange
  • Transforming heritage industrial sites into creative campuses

Luma Arles’ transformation of Parc des Ateliers illustrates how contemporary cultural initiatives can revitalize historic cities and generate lasting social impact (The Art Newspaper).


Architectural Vision: The Frank Gehry Tower

The campus centerpiece is Frank Gehry’s 56-meter-high tower, clad in 11,000 reflective stainless steel panels. Its twisting, sculptural form draws inspiration from Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and the Alpilles mountains, echoing the movement of artist’s brushstrokes and the region’s dramatic landscapes. The tower contains modular galleries, studios, research spaces, and panoramic viewpoints.

Surrounding the tower, historic industrial structures such as La Grande Halle and La Mécanique Générale have been meticulously restored to host exhibitions and creative labs. Landscape architect Bas Smets’ Mediterranean gardens further enhance the campus, promoting biodiversity and sustainability (Say Hi To Atlas; France This Way).


Visiting Luma Arles: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Opening Hours:

  • Standard: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:15 PM for the Gehry tower)
  • During major events (e.g., Les Rencontres d’Arles): Extended daily hours. Check official site for updates.

Tickets:

  • General admission: €12–15
  • Reduced (students, seniors): €8–10
  • Children under 12: Free
  • Guided tours and special events: Book separately in advance
  • Tickets available online or at entrance (Luma Arles Practical Information)

Accessibility:

  • Fully accessible campus: barrier-free routes, elevators, adapted restrooms
  • Assistance available for visitors with disabilities
  • Family-friendly amenities: cafés, bookshop, free Wi-Fi, information desks

Getting There and Travel Tips

Location:
35 Avenue Victor Hugo, 13200 Arles, France – a short walk from Arles train station and city center.

Transport:

  • By train: Arles Station (15-minute walk)
  • By car: Nearby parking with spaces for visitors
  • By bus: Regional connections to Arles center

Tips:

  • Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and cultural events
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds
  • Wear comfortable shoes—campus and city sites require walking
  • Download the Audiala app for interactive guides and up-to-date event info

Nearby Arles Historical Sites

Complement your Luma Arles visit by exploring Arles’ rich Roman and medieval heritage. Key attractions include:

  • Arles Amphitheatre (Les Arènes): Ancient Roman arena (UNESCO)
  • Ancient Theatre of Arles: Archaeological site and performance venue
  • Saint-Trophime Church: Renowned for Romanesque architecture and cloister
  • Alyscamps: Roman necropolis and picturesque promenade
  • Vincent van Gogh walking tour: Discover sites painted by the artist

All are within walking distance from Luma Arles (France This Way).


Special Events and Exhibitions (2025–2026)

Luma Arles is a principal venue for the annual Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival. The 2025 edition (July 7–October 5) features the theme “Disobedient Images,” with over 60 exhibitions citywide, artist talks, and the LUMA Rencontres Dummy Book Award.

Upcoming highlights:

  • Thematic group and solo art exhibitions
  • Permanent installations by leading artists (e.g., Olafur Eliasson)
  • Ecological art and sustainable design commissions
  • Family workshops, LUMA Days, and artist residencies

For a full program, see the official Luma Arles website and Les Rencontres d’Arles festival site.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Standard hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Extended hours apply during major events.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: €12–15 for adults; reduced rates available; children under 12 free.

Q: Is the campus accessible?
A: Yes—fully accessible with barrier-free routes and assistance available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages. Book in advance.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Walk from Arles station or city center; parking and public transport available.

Q: What else should I see in Arles?
A: The Roman Amphitheatre, Ancient Theatre, Saint-Trophime Church, Alyscamps, and Van Gogh sites.


Planning Your Visit

  • Book tickets and tours online in advance, especially during festivals.
  • Explore both Luma Arles and Arles’ historical sites for a complete cultural experience.
  • Use the Audiala app for navigation, multimedia tours, and real-time updates.


Plan your journey to Luma Arles and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind fusion of contemporary creativity, historic grandeur, and sustainable innovation. For the latest updates, download the Audiala app and follow Luma Arles on social media.

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Arles

|
  Ancienne Église Saint-Blaise D'Arles
| Ancienne Église Saint-Blaise D'Arles
Arelate
Arelate
Arles Amphitheatre
Arles Amphitheatre
Arles Bust
Arles Bust
Arles Prison
Arles Prison
Arles Rhône 3
Arles Rhône 3
Arles, Roman And Romanesque Monuments
Arles, Roman And Romanesque Monuments
Barbegal Aqueduct And Mills
Barbegal Aqueduct And Mills
Bridge Of Constantine
Bridge Of Constantine
Chapel Of Hôtel-Dieu Of Arles
Chapel Of Hôtel-Dieu Of Arles
Church Of St. Trophime, Arles
Church Of St. Trophime, Arles
Église Des Trinitaires (Arles)
Église Des Trinitaires (Arles)
Église Saint-Jean-De-Moustiers
Église Saint-Jean-De-Moustiers
Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles
Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles
Gallo-Roman Theatre At Arles
Gallo-Roman Theatre At Arles
|
  Gare D'Arles
| Gare D'Arles
Hotel Boussicaud
Hotel Boussicaud
|
  Hôtel De L'Hoste
| Hôtel De L'Hoste
|
  Hôtel De L'Œuvre Du Bouillon
| Hôtel De L'Œuvre Du Bouillon
Hôtel De Truchet
Hôtel De Truchet
Hôtel Des Amazones In Arles
Hôtel Des Amazones In Arles
Hôtel Perrin De Jonquières
Hôtel Perrin De Jonquières
Langlois Bridge
Langlois Bridge
Laurens De Beaujeu Mansion
Laurens De Beaujeu Mansion
Laval-Castellane Mansion
Laval-Castellane Mansion
Luma Arles
Luma Arles
Méjanes Bullring
Méjanes Bullring
Montmajour Abbey
Montmajour Abbey
Musée De La Camargue
Musée De La Camargue
|
  Musée Départemental De L'Arles Antique
| Musée Départemental De L'Arles Antique
Musée Réattu
Musée Réattu
Museon Arlaten
Museon Arlaten
Place Du Forum
Place Du Forum
Roman Gaul
Roman Gaul
Roure Mansion
Roure Mansion
Saliers Concentration Camp
Saliers Concentration Camp
|
  Temple Protestant D'Arles
| Temple Protestant D'Arles
The Alyscamps
The Alyscamps
|
  Théâtre D'Arles
| Théâtre D'Arles
Thermes De Constantin
Thermes De Constantin
Tour De La Roquette
Tour De La Roquette
Tour Des Mourgues
Tour Des Mourgues
Via Julia Augusta
Via Julia Augusta