Architectural Gems Luma Arles vs. Biesbosch

The eye-catcher of Arles

The LUMA Arles museum is a remarkable sight to say the least. The 56-meter-tall tower is covered by no less than 11,500 aluminum panels.

The eye-catching LUMA Arles was designed by Frank Ghery and is a center for various art forms. Its impressive design reflects the steep rock formations near the city, whereas its glass rotunda on the first floor is a reference to the Arles arena, one of the most beautiful vestiges of the Roman Empire in France. This iconic architect has many more world-famous buildings in his portfolio, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Dancing House in Prague, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.LUMAARLES

At one with nature

The Biesbosch is Europe’s largest freshwater tidal area. The interactive museum blends into its surroundings and teaches visitors all about the natural and human history of this nature reserve in the Netherlands.

Biesbosch

MUSEUM ISLAND

In contrast to the striking Luma Arles, the Biesbosch Museum can be found among the water and the greenery. This spectacular design by Studio Marco Vermeulen subtly attracts attention with its large windows and unique shape. Its windows are made of state-of-the-art solar control glass, while its green roof acts as additional insulation and heat buffer. On warm days, water flows from the river through an underfloor piping system, cooling the building.