Crédits

Photos d'archive du Parc des Ateliers

The evolution of the Parc des Ateliers over time

From its origins as a Roman necropolis, to the 19th-century construction of steam locomotives by the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée company, and its recent transformation into a cultural venue, the Parc des Ateliers boasts a rich history shaped by the industrial and cultural evolution of Arles.

Key Facts and Dates

1st century BCE: Construction of the Roman necropolis

1844–1856: Construction of the Parc des Ateliers on the site of the ancient Alyscamps necropolis

1984: Closure of the Parc des Ateliers

2000: Summer installation of the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival and the Les Suds music festival

2005–2007: Renovation of La Grande Halle by the PACA regional authority

2013: Launch of the LUMA Arles project

2014: Start of the rehabilitation of existing buildings and construction of The Tower

2021: Completion of The Tower and the landscaped park

The Parc des Ateliers during Roman times

The Parc des Ateliers is located in the heart of the Roman necropolis of the Alyscamps.

This necropolis was, for several centuries, a major burial site, welcoming both members of the Roman aristocracy and figures of the Christian Church.

Renowned for its long avenues lined with stone sarcophagi, the Alyscamps necropolis also houses funerary chapels that reflect the architectural style of the time. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site holds major archaeological and cultural significance. It stands as a testament to both the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the evolution of funerary rites through the centuries.

The Alyscamps have also left their mark on art history. Many artists have depicted the site, including Vincent van Gogh during his stay in Arles in 1888. Captivated by the region’s unique light and landscapes, Van Gogh painted four canvases there, including the famous Les Alyscamps.

Capture d’écran 2025-10-23 à 15.57.08 Photo: © Adrian Deweerdt

Although part of the necropolis is still visible today, the area where the Parc des Ateliers now stands has undergone many transformations over the centuries.

The Parc des Ateliers in the 19^th century

1842

At the National Assembly, deputy and writer Alphonse de Lamartine advocated for the Paris–Lyon–Marseille railway line to pass through Arles. This marked the beginning of the first phase of development of the Arles railway workshop site (1845–1856).

The facilities included a machine workshop (for manufacturing and repairs), a carriage workshop, a wagon workshop, and a locomotive depot.

"(...) This is the city of Arles, a city admirably situated by nature—or rather, a city for which nature, one might say, created its place (...)"
— Alphonse de Lamartine, National Assembly, April 30, 1842

1848

The inauguration of the Avignon–Marseille rail segment in Arles marked a phase of economic expansion for the city. The workshops became its largest employer, employing up to 1,800 people in 1920.

2003.0.2303 Image d'archive du Parc des Ateliers.
©[Nom du photographe] - Cd13, Museon Arlaten-musée de Provence

The Parc des Ateliers in the 20^th century

1937

The various French railway companies merged to form the SNCF. Technological progress gradually replaced the steam locomotive—and with it, the Arles workshops, which had specialized in their construction.

1942 – 1944

During World War II, part of the site was requisitioned for the manufacture of artillery shells and occupied by German forces.

2003.0.4199 ©[Nom du photographe] - Cd13, Museon Arlaten-musée de Provence

1984

Despite multiple modernization efforts, the Parc des Ateliers was gradually affected by deindustrialization and ultimately shut down after a long decline. Left abandoned, the site—at the heart of the city—was slowly reclaimed by nature.

1985 – 1986

Several companies, including the Etienne paper mills and the Ducros company, used parts of the site for storage. A series of fires severely damaged the area, destroying part of the General Mechanics building and stripping the Forges building of its roof.

1986

François Hébel, former director of the Rencontres d’Arles festival, was the first to stage photography exhibitions at the Parc des Ateliers. The site was then abandoned for nearly fifteen years, turning into an industrial wasteland and falling further into disrepair.

From the mid-1990s onward

The Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur regional authority considered several rehabilitation projects to breathe new life into the site. The original grounds of the Parc des Ateliers were to be split into two sections, separated by the railway line.

The Parc des Ateliers in the 21^st century

A New Cultural Identity for the Parc des Ateliers

Beginning in the early 2000s, the Parc des Ateliers adopted a new identity during the summer months. Each year, the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival took over the site, accompanied by the Les Suds festival, which organized concerts on location.

20190706_LUMA_CLOTURE RENCONTRES SUDS_DSF5900Joana Luz-webp Photo: © Joana Luz

2002

Maja Hoffmann, patron of the Rencontres d’Arles, and François Hébel, who was then the festival’s director, established the Prix Découverte to contribute to the festival’s international reach and to support emerging photographers.

LUMA Foundation’s founding and the first sketch of a new future for the Parc des Ateliers

2004

The LUMA Foundation was established in Switzerland to support and produce experimental projects initiated by artists and cultural institutions.

2006

On July 17, 2006, the City of Arles approved the proposal for the creation of the ZAC des Ateliers, a redevelopment zone dedicated to the planning and development of the former SNCF workshop grounds.

2007

The renovated Grande Halle, designed by the architecture firm Moatti & Rivière, was inaugurated. On June 12, 2007, the City of Arles and AREA PACA signed the concession agreement for the ZAC des Ateliers, launching the implementation of the redevelopment project.

2008 : A new cultural landmark for the 21^st century at the Parc des Ateliers

In collaboration with Frank Gehry, Maja Hoffmann initiated a reflection on the evolution of art centers as spaces of creation and exhibition worldwide. She assembled a “Core Group” of curators, artists, architects, and thinkers—including Hans-Ulrich Obrist, Philippe Parreno, Beatrix Ruf, Liam Gillick, and Tom Eccles—to envision a new cultural center for the 21st century.

Models of the future Parc des Ateliers, illustrating the collective discussions held with Frank Gehry and the various development options considered for the site’s design.

The LUMA Foundation signed a joint memorandum of understanding with the City of Arles, the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur Region, and the Rencontres d’Arles to support the development of the new Parc des Ateliers project.

2010

Maja Hoffmann invited landscape architect Bas Smets to work on the landscaping project for the Parc des Ateliers, along with architect Annabelle Selldorf, who was tasked with renovating the existing buildings. In collaboration with the Rencontres d’Arles, the LUMA Foundation began an experimental phase of artistic programming in Arles, with productions taking place not only at the Parc des Ateliers but also in other parts of the city, including the Roman Arena, the Alyscamps necropolis, and the Place de la République.

To the Moon via the Beach, a project initiated by the LUMA Foundation in 2012 in the Arles Amphitheatre.
Photo: © Hervé Hôte

After several years of research and planning, the project officially broke ground during the ceremony held for the laying of the first stone of LUMA Arles. On this occasion, the exhibition Solaris Chronicles was inaugurated, presenting models of key projects by Frank Gehry.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Parc des Ateliers Tower, attended by Frank Gehry, Maja Hoffmann, the mayor of Arles, and local officials.
Photo: Hervé Hôte

During the construction of The Tower, designed by Frank Gehry, and the renovation of the existing buildings, Maja Hoffmann was committed to keeping the site open to the public. As a result, the Parc des Ateliers simultaneously hosted a cultural and artistic preview program, along with events in connection with the Rencontres d’Arles.

2014

Les Forges building was renovated and made available to the Rencontres d’Arles festival. It serves as a venue for museum-quality exhibitions and initiates co-productions with international institutions and collections.

Summer 2016

La Mécanique Générale building was completed along with a contemporary extension. It was also opened to the public right away, hosting two exhibitions and a performance.

Summer 2017

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary of La Grande Halle’s renovation, the LUMA Foundation launched a comprehensive interdisciplinary program. This included the unveiling of a first prototype of the landscaped park and the progressive opening of the last restored buildings.

An initial prototype of the landscaped park and the gradual opening of the final restored buildings.

In addition to its exhibitions and other activities, LUMA Arles unveiled the first prototype of the landscaped park designed by Bas Smets.

Spring 2018

La Formation building, devoted to live performance, opened to the public

June 2020

The Médico-Social building opened to the public for the first time. In parallel, Le Réfectoire was unveiled, fully reimagined by Martino Gamper’s London studio with materials developed by Atelier LUMA.