The Conservatoire du Santon Provençal was inaugurated in 2017 by the renowned nativity figurine master Henri Vezolles, after he and his fellow collectors decided to exhibit their most beautiful handcrafted figurines to the public. The collection is housed in an 18th century house in the city of Arles where you can admire the works of the greatest contemporary Provençal nativity figurine makers and their predecessors.

In addition to the works of 15 Meilleurs Ouvriers de France – a prestigious label given to the very best French craftspeople – you will find the whole history of the Provençal nativity figurine here. More than 2,000 figurines made by more than 100 nativity figurine makers from the 19th to the 21st centuries tell the story of this popular art, which is so integral to a Provençal Christmas. The museum also hosts several temporary exhibitions annually.