Arles Antique Museum (Musée Départemental Arles Antique)

The Arles Museum of Antiquity, also known as the "Blue Museum," is a key cultural destination in Arles, France, dedicated to the city’s rich Roman heritage. Built near the remains of the Roman circus on the banks of the Rhône River, the museum offers a fascinating insight into archaeology and the region's ancient history. It is internationally renowned for its groundbreaking discoveries made by underwater archaeologist Luc Long in the Rhône River.

Visitors can view a vast collection of artifacts, most notably the oldest known bust of Julius Caesar, discovered in 2007, and the reconstructed Gallo-Roman barge Arles-Rhône 3, found in 2004. The exhibits also include numerous mosaics, such as the Aiôn mosaic, statues, and the Sarcophagus of Phaedra and Hippolytus. The museum is designed as an educational destination suitable for families, students, and history enthusiasts.

General admission is €8, with a reduced rate of €5 available for groups of over 10, visitors over 65, and other eligible holders. This pricing structure makes the site accessible to a wide range of travelers. The museum serves as a vital resource for understanding the archaeological significance of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site. By combining ancient artifacts with modern archaeological context, the museum provides a comprehensive view of life in Roman Gaul. Visitors are encouraged to spend time exploring the detailed displays to appreciate the scale of Roman engineering and artistry in the region.