LUMA Arles Tower: A Must-See in Arles, France

If you are planning a trip to Arles, France, you may already have the Roman Arena, Van Gogh and the historic old town on your itinerary. But there is another landmark you should not miss: LUMA Arles, a spectacular contemporary art and cultural center dominated by the futuristic Tower designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Rising above the former industrial district of the city, the LUMA Arles Tower is one of the most recognizable pieces of contemporary architecture in Provence. Its twisting stainless-steel facade catches the changing Mediterranean light, creating a building that looks different throughout the day.

For American/Asian travelers wondering what to do in Arles, LUMA Arles offers something quite different from the city's ancient monuments: contemporary art, architecture, panoramic views, gardens and a fascinating connection to the history and landscape of Provence.

What is LUMA Arles?

LUMA Arles is an interdisciplinary cultural campus located at the Parc des Ateliers, a former industrial site in Arles.

The project brings together contemporary art, research, architecture, environmental issues and culture. The campus includes renovated 19th-century industrial buildings, landscaped gardens and the iconic Tower designed by Frank Gehry.

For visitors, this means that LUMA is more than a museum. You can explore exhibitions, walk through the landscape park, discover permanent artworks and experience the architecture itself.

The result is a fascinating contrast with the historic center of Arles: Roman ruins and medieval buildings are just a short walk away from one of the most ambitious examples of contemporary architecture in southern France.

Who designed the LUMA Arles Tower?

The Tower was designed by Frank Gehry, the internationally renowned architect behind buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

At LUMA Arles, Gehry worked with LUMA founder Maja Hoffmann to create a building specifically connected to its surroundings.

The architecture draws inspiration from several elements associated with Arles and Provence, including Vincent van Gogh, the rocky landscapes of the Alpilles and the Roman Arena of Arles.

This local connection is important. The Tower may look futuristic, but it was not designed as an isolated architectural statement. Its forms and materials were conceived to respond to the landscape and cultural history of Arles.

Why does the LUMA Tower look so unusual?

The first thing you notice is the facade.

The 56-meter-high Tower is covered with approximately 11,000 stainless-steel bricks, combined with glass elements. The metal reflects the sky and sunlight, making the building appear to change depending on the weather and time of day.

At its base is the Drum, a large glass rotunda inspired by the geometry and scale of the Roman Arena of Arles.

This is one of the most interesting things about LUMA: the building combines very contemporary architecture with references to Arles' ancient Roman heritage.

In other words, you don't have to be an architecture enthusiast to appreciate it.

The panoramic views from LUMA Arles

One of the main reasons to visit the Tower is the view.

Panoramic terraces on the upper levels look across the historic center of Arles, the Rhône, the Camargue and the Alpilles.

For travelers visiting Provence, this perspective is particularly interesting because it allows you to understand the geography around Arles.

From the Tower, you can see how the ancient city sits between the Rhône, the plains of the Camargue and the landscapes leading toward the Alpilles.

It also gives you a completely different perspective on the historic center.

Travel tip: visit with your camera ready

The stainless-steel facade is particularly photogenic when the light changes.

For photographers, architecture lovers and travelers looking for unusual places to photograph in Provence, LUMA Arles is an easy addition to an Arles itinerary.

What can you see inside LUMA Arles?

The Tower contains exhibition spaces, terraces, an auditorium, archives, artist spaces and the Drum Café, among other facilities.

The exhibition program changes regularly, so it is worth checking the current schedule before your trip.

For 2026, LUMA's program includes exhibitions such as Gerhard Richter's Overpainted Photographs, Camille Henrot's In the Veins, Verena Paravel's Delta and the sixth chapter of the Hans Ulrich Obrist Archives focusing on Zaha Hadid.

This changing program is one reason LUMA works particularly well for repeat visitors to Arles.

Do you need a ticket to visit LUMA Arles?

It depends on what you want to see.

Some permanent artworks and areas of the Parc des Ateliers can be accessed free of charge, while exhibitions and certain experiences require a ticket. LUMA states that some permanent artworks and open-access spaces can be visited without a ticket or reservation.

According to the 2026 information published by the Arles Tourist Office , admission to LUMA varies according to the season, with a listed full price of €15 in high season and €9 in low season. A combined ticket with the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles is also available.

Because prices and exhibitions can change, American visitors should check the official LUMA website before traveling.

LUMA Arles opening hours

LUMA's current official visitor information lists the site as open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Opening hours can change depending on the season or special events, so it is best to verify them before your visit.

LUMA Arles is located at:

Parc des Ateliers35 Avenue Victor Hugo13200 Arles, France

How long should you spend at LUMA Arles?

Allow at least two to three hours if you want to explore the Tower, see an exhibition and walk through the surrounding park.

If you are particularly interested in contemporary art or architecture, you could easily spend half a day here.

A quick visit can also work if you are building a packed Arles itinerary. You can explore the architecture, visit the panoramic areas and continue toward the historic center.

Planning a Private Tour of Arles?

If you're traveling from the United States/Asia and want to experience Arles beyond the usual tourist highlights, a private tour is a great way to make the most of your time in Provence.

I can help you plan your Arles itinerary before your arrival and accompany you throughout your experience, combining the city's essential sights with places that match your personal interests.

From the Roman heritage of Arles to Van Gogh, LUMA and the landscapes of Provence, your day can be entirely tailored to you.

[Contact & Quote | Provence Wanderlust] or get in touch to start planning your personalized itinerary.