Doesn’t the name, Rue Arlaten, evoke images of Provence? It really should. While we stand here on Rue Arlaten in Paris it has a fascinating connection to a museum far to the south. Let me tell you about the Museon Arlaten.
The Museon Arlaten is located in Arles. Arles is a city in the south of France. The Museon Arlaten is dedicated to the ethnography of Provence. It is like stepping back in time to experience Provençal life.
The museum is housed in a beautiful 15th-century building. It is the hôtel particulier Laval-Castellane. This building is now a monument historique. The building itself has witnessed centuries of history. Before becoming a museum, it served many purposes. It was a Roman forum, an aristocratic residence and a Jesuit college. It also served as a prison.
Frédéric Mistral founded the Museon Arlaten. He was a Provençal poet. He wanted to create a “Pantheon of Provence.” Mistral sought to bring together all the memories of the region. He wanted a museum to represent the pays.
The Museon Arlaten opened in 1899. Mistral wanted to preserve Provençal traditions. He wanted to showcase the region’s unique identity. The museum’s collections include folk art. You can see furniture and costumes. There are also ceramics. Tools and farming implements are on display.
One notable focus was the traditional clothing of Arlesienne women. The museum even organized an event in 1903. It was called the “Fèsto Vierginenco.” Young women pledged to wear the traditional costume of Arles. The event was very popular. It was moved to the Roman Theatre in subsequent years.
Labels in the museum were originally in Provençal. This was well after the language had ceased to dominate the region. This choice emphasized the museum’s dedication to Provençal culture. Jules Charles-Roux praised this decision. He saw Provençal as the language of a free people.
The Museon Arlaten closed for repairs in 2009. It reopened in May 2021. The renovations added new features. A grand staircase was added. Christian Lacroix designed the decor. He called it “a gesture of gratitude and love.”
The Jesuit Chapel was also restored. It is now linked to the museum. It provides a space for temporary exhibitions. The Museon Arlaten is more than just a museum. It is a journey through time. It showcases the architecture and history of Arles. It spans from antiquity to the 21st century.
So, as we stand here on Rue Arlaten, remember its connection. Remember its connection to the Museon Arlaten in the south. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Provence. It serves as a reminder that even a street name can carry a story.