Fragonard Museum of Fashion and Costume - Arles

The Fragonard Museum of Fashion and Costume in Arles (Musée Fragonard du Costume et de la Mode in french) is a cultural institution dedicated to the textile and costume heritage of Provence. Located in the beautifully restored 17th-century Hôtel Bouchaud de Bussy, this museum offers visitors an engaging journey through the history of Provençal clothing.

What exactly is the Fragonard Fashion and Costume Museum?

This museum combines two remarkable historical collections:

• The Pascal Collection (assembled by Magali and Odile Pascal), featuring unique costumes typical of Arles.
• The Costa Collection, from the Provençal Museum of Costume and Jewelry in Grasse, brought together by Anne, Agnès, and Françoise Costa, directors of Maison Fragonard.

Today, these collections create an exceptional exhibition, highlighting the elegance and richness of traditional Provençal costumes.

What can you see in this museum?

The museum primarily showcases rare and outstanding pieces illustrating the evolution of Provençal fashion since the 18th century, including:

• Beautiful caracos (women’s jackets) made of printed cotton fabric (circa 1780).
• Elegant capes in chintz fabric (circa 1785).
• Exquisite men’s waistcoats made from patterned silk velvet (circa 1835-1845).
• Head-dress ribbons crafted from silk velvet, dating from 1840-1850.
• Numerous accessories, antique jewelry, and finely worked textiles.
• The iconic costume of the Arlésienne takes center stage, highlighting the beauty, variety, and traditional craftsmanship of Provençal clothing.

Additionally, a permanent photographic installation by artist Charles Fréger pays homage to the poetic figure of the Arlésienne through a contemporary artistic interpretation.

Architecture and exhibition design:

The museum is situated in the Hôtel Bouchaud de Bussy in Arles, meticulously restored by Studio KO (famous for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech). The restoration artfully blends historic and contemporary architectural elements, creating an elegant and refined exhibition setting.

 Current exhibition: "Collections-Collection"
The museum's inaugural exhibition, "Collections-Collection", is currently open to visitors until January 4, 2026.

This opening exhibition brings together highlights from both the Pascal and Costa collections, offering an exciting chronological exploration of Provençal fashion through the centuries.

Practical Information  

Address: 16 rue de la Calade, Arles
Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
Admission: €10 (standard), €8 (reduced rate)
Website: Fragonard.com

Fragonard Parfumeur: a historic family perfume house

Founded in 1926 in Grasse, the world capital of perfume, the Fragonard company takes its name from the famous 18th-century painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, a native of the region. It was Eugène Fuchs, a visionary entrepreneur, who created this perfumery with the innovative idea of selling Grasse perfumes directly to tourists.

A family business since its inception, Fragonard is now run by the fourth generation of the family, sisters Anne, Agnès and Françoise Costa.

The pillars of the brand

• Perfume: the company's core business, with fragrances designed in Grasse.
• Craftsmanship: Fragonard celebrates expertise in perfumery as well as the Provençal art of living (cosmetics, household linens, decorative items).
• Museums: the brand has several museums in Grasse and Paris dedicated to perfume and art. 
• Made in France: strong regional identity and local manufacturing.