UMA Arles & Parc des Ateliers : What to know
LUMA Arles is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe, transforming a former industrial railway site into a world-class campus dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, design, photography, education and environmental research. Located just a short walk from the historic centre of Arles, the Parc des Ateliers combines striking modern architecture with beautifully restored industrial buildings, creating a fascinating contrast to the city’s famous Roman monuments. Rather than being a traditional museum, LUMA is a living creative campus where artists, researchers, designers and visitors come together to explore new ideas through exhibitions, performances, workshops and public events
Who created the LUMA Arles project?
The project was created by the LUMA Foundation, a non-profit organisation established in Switzerland in 2004 by art collector and philanthropist Maja Hoffmann. Hoffmann has deep personal connections with the Arles region, having spent much of her childhood nearby, and envisioned creating an international centre where art, culture, science and environmental issues could intersect. The Foundation began working with the City of Arles and renowned architect Frank Gehry in 2007, and in 2013 created LUMA Arles to oversee the transformation of the Parc des Ateliers into the creative campus visitors enjoy today.
Frank Gehry Tower
The most recognisable feature of LUMA Arles is The Tower, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, whose previous works include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Rising 56 metres above the city, the tower immediately catches the eye with its twisting, sculptural form covered in more than 11,000 stainless-steel panels that constantly reflect the changing Provençal light. Gehry deliberately drew inspiration from the limestone cliffs of the nearby Alpilles, the circular Roman amphitheatre of Arles and the shimmering colours found in Vincent van Gogh’s paintings created in the region. Depending on the time of day, the building appears to change colour as sunlight dances across its reflective façade.
Inside the tower are flexible exhibition galleries, research spaces, archives, seminar rooms, workshops, a library, an auditorium and panoramic terraces offering spectacular views across Arles, the Camargue and the Alpilles. Unlike many museums that focus on permanent collections, LUMA presents constantly changing exhibitions featuring internationally renowned contemporary artists alongside experimental installations, photography, film, digital art and multimedia projects. The campus also hosts artist residencies, encouraging creative collaboration between artists, scientists, architects and environmental researchers.
LUMA Arles today
Today, it represents the city’s modern cultural identity alongside its extraordinary Roman and artistic heritage. While the amphitheatre, Roman theatre and Van Gogh sites tell the story of Arles’ past, LUMA looks firmly towards the future, demonstrating how historic industrial spaces can be reimagined as centres of creativity and innovation. Whether visitors come for the spectacular architecture, cutting-edge exhibitions, landscaped park or panoramic views from Gehry’s tower, LUMA offers a fascinating contrast to the ancient city and has become one of the most significant cultural destinations in southern France.
LUMA Arles also plays an important role during the internationally acclaimed Rencontres d’Arles Photography Festival, one of the world’s leading photography events. Many festival exhibitions are staged within the Parc des Ateliers, attracting photographers, artists and visitors from across the globe every summer. Throughout the rest of the year, LUMA continues to host talks, performances, film screenings, workshops and family activities, ensuring the campus remains vibrant well beyond the tourist season.
