Arles celebrates Roman heritage with Arelate Festival and museum events

The Arelate Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Arles, France, with various cultural activities centered on Roman heritage. The festival includes lectures, games, theatrical performances at the ancient theater, gladiator spectacles in the amphitheater, and workshops.

As part of the festivities, the Musée départemental Arles antique is hosting a special event titled ‘Conversation sous les étoiles — Le rendez-vous de Vénus’ on its newly renovated rooftop terrace. The event features a dialogue between astrophysicist Jean-Pierre Luminet and museum chief curator Alain Charron. The discussion focuses on Venus and astronomy, echoing the museum's current exhibition, ‘Le Passage de Vénus.’

The museum's rooftop terrace was reopened following a 3-million-euro renovation project funded by the Department, which aimed to improve building insulation and conservation conditions while making the space accessible to the public.