Les Rencontres d'Arles 2026: Seven Must-See Exhibitions

Arles becomes the center of the art and photography world this summer with Les Rencontres d'Arles and LUMA Arles. The ninth edition of the Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents, created by Parfums Christian Dior in 2018, presents finalists including Mayed Almheiri, Andréa Besset, Yuan Chen, and Milena Schilling under the theme 'Face-to-Face' at LUMA Arles (July 4–October 4, 2026). At Les Rencontres d'Arles, Souleymane Bachir Diaw's 'Sutura' explores identity through family photographs, running July 6–October 4, 2026. Soundwalk Collective and Patti Smith present 'CORRESPONDENCES' at LUMA Arles (July 4–November 8, 2026), a decade-long immersive installation with eight films and field recordings. Designer Marie Laffont collaborates with Martial Châteauvieux on a six-day exhibition inspired by Albert Einstein, featuring Clelia Montali, Sophie Dries, and Malù Dalla Piccola (July 6–13, 2026). Artistic duo Gerard & Kelly perform 'On Time' at Villa Benkemoun (July 6–8, 2026), transforming Émile Sala's modernist residence into a living clock. Audrey Guimard's 'La Pierre en Résonance' at Amelie du Chalard Gallery in Les Baux-de-Provence (June 4–October 31, 2026) uses local limestone to create sculptures, fountains, and totems. Charlotte Gainsbourg's first photography exhibition '5bis' at La Galerie du Cloître (July 6–September 6, 2026) features unseen photographs of her father Serge Gainsbourg's home, later traveling to Saint Laurent Rive Droite in Paris.