[en] We investigated the ³P₀ and ¹D₂ luminescence of Y₄Al₂O₉ (YAM) crystals activated with Pr³⁺ ions after excitation of the ¹D₂ level. Under cryogenic temperature four distinct types of emission and excitation spectra are observed, which are attributed to 4f–4f transitions of four different sets of Pr³⁺ centers. The energy level structure of Pr³⁺ ions occupying four distinct, low symmetry Y³⁺ sites in YAM have been determined using site selective laser excitation and luminescence. To get better insight into local site occupancy, luminescence decay studies were also conducted. It was found that energy transfer between Pr³⁺ ions doped into four different sites is absent. Anti-Stokes, upconversion luminescence originating from the ³P₀ state while exiting the ³H₄→ ¹D₂ transition was observed. The whole orange to blue upconversion was site selective at cryogenic temperatures. The dynamical behavior of the upconverted emission arising from four sites was studied and modelled via energy transfer process. - Highlights: • YAM:Pr³⁺ crystals have been grown by the micro-pulling down method. • Four different states of Pr³⁺ centers in YAM have been determined. • Site-selective upconversion luminescence originating from the ³P₀ state has been analyzed. • Correlation between experimental spectroscopic results and crystallographic Pr³⁺ sites was discussed.