The museums of Nice: a cultural journey through history and art

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The city of Nice is rich in cultural and artistic heritage. Its numerous museums offer visitors an exceptional panorama of history, art, and culture. Here is an overview of the main museums in Nice.

Matisse Museum

Located in the Cimiez district, the Matisse Museum houses an impressive collection of works by Henri Matisse, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The museum traces Matisse’s artistic evolution, from his early works to his latest creations.

The entrance fee is €10 (free for those under 18, students, and disabled individuals). The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from 10 AM to 5 PM from November 1 to March 31, and from 10 AM to 6 PM from April 1 to October 31.

Address: 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice
Phone: (+33) (0)4 93 81 08 08
Email: musee.matisse@ville-nice.fr

Matisse Museum in Cimiez, photo credit: DR
The Matisse Museum in Cimiez. (Photo DR)

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC)

The MAMAC offers an unparalleled perspective on modern and contemporary art, from the 1950s to today. Visitors can admire works by Niki de Saint Phalle, Yves Klein, and many other renowned artists.

For the museum, count €6.10 per visit + entrance fee. Free for under 13s. The MAMAC is currently closed for renovation for three years.

Email: mediationmamac@ville-nice.fr
Phone: +33 (0)4 97 13 42 01
Address: Place Yves Klein, 06000 Nice.

View from the top of MAMAC, photo credit: Delphine Rossignol
View from the top of MAMAC, photo credit: Delphine Rossignol

Palais Lascaris

This baroque palace, located in Old Nice, is a former aristocratic residence. It houses a remarkable collection of ancient musical instruments and offers a fascinating insight into the aristocratic life of Nice.

The palace offers guided tours at €5 per person. It is open all year round and every day except Tuesday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Exceptional closures on January 1st, Easter Monday, May 1st, and December 25th.

Address: 15 rue Droite, 06300 Nice (Old Nice)
Phone: +33(0)4 93 62 72 40
Email: david.assas-silveri@ville-nice.fr

GRAND SALON PALAIS LASCARIS
©Ville de Nice

Villa Masséna

Located in a “Belle Époque” villa on the Promenade des Anglais, the Masséna Museum is dedicated to the history of Nice. It displays art objects, furniture, and historical documents that recount the city’s development.

Admission fee for access to the exhibition and the museum’s permanent collection: €10
Free admission for residents of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.

Phone: 04 93 91 19 10
Email: musee.massena@ville-nice.fr
Address: 65 rue de France, 06000 Nice

Fine Arts Museum

The Jules Chéret Fine Arts Museum features a collection of major works of European art, from the 15th to the 20th century. Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The entrance fee is €10. Free for those under 18 and students.
Opening days: open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM – except Monday Hours: from 10 AM to 6 PM in summer (from May 2 to October 31), from 11 AM to 6 PM in winter (from November 1 to April 30)
Address: 33 avenue des Baumettes, 06000 Nice
Phone: +33 4 92 15 28 28 Email: musee.beaux-arts@ville-nice.fr

Jules Chéret Fine Arts Museum
Jules Chéret Fine Arts Museum. Photo I. Abram.

Anatole Jakovsky International Museum of Naive Art

This unique museum showcases a panorama of the history of naive painting, with works by artists from around the world. It is located in the Chateau Sainte-Hélène, a former perfumer’s residence.

Address: Chateau Sainte-Hélène, 23 avenue de Fabron, 06200 Nice Phone: 04 93 71 78 33
Email: musee.jakovsky@ville-nice.fr
Open every day except Tuesday from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM.
Standard ticket: €5 (Free for Metropole Nice Côte d’Azur residents).

image0021
Photo: Luc Josia Albertini / Ville de Nice.

Charles Nègre Photography Museum

The Charles Nègre Photography Museum offers insights into the history of photography and contemporary creation. It features temporary and permanent exhibitions highlighting renowned photographers.

Address: 1, Place Pierre Gautier – 06300 Nice
Phone: +33 (0)4 97 13 42 20
Email: musee.photo@ville-nice.fr

Open every day except Monday (closed on December 25, January 1, Easter Sunday, and May 1). The gallery: from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM. The museum: 10 AM to 6 PM.
Exclusive single ticket at €5.

Cimiez Archaeology Museum

This museum retraces the history of Nice, from Roman times to the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore archaeological remains, ancient objects, and historical reconstructions.

Museum open every day except Tuesday

  • From 10 AM to 5 PM from November 1 to April 30.
  • From 10 AM to 6 PM from May 2 to October 31. Closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25.

Address: 160 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice
Email: musee.archeologie@ville-nice.fr
Phone: 04 93 81 59 57
Access Ticket – €5
Reduced rate for groups of 10 or more: €4.

Archaeology Museum
©Alizée Bellone

Prehistoric Museum of Terra Amata

Located on a world-renowned prehistoric site, the Terra Amata Museum showcases remains dating back 400,000 years. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants.

Museum open every day except Tuesday

  • From 10 AM to 5 PM from November 1 to April 30.
  • From 10 AM to 6 PM from May 2 to October 31. Closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25.

Address: 25 boulevard Carnot, 06300 Nice Phone: 04 93 55 59 93 Email: musee.terra.amata@ville-nice.fr Access Ticket€5
Reduced rate for groups of 10 or more: €4.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in Nice allows visitors to discover the biodiversity of the Alpes-Maritimes and nature in general. It offers exhibitions on fauna, flora, and natural sciences.

  • Opening days: Except Monday. Closed January 1, Easter, May 1, and December 25.
  • Hours: 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM.
  • Address: 60 Boulevard Risso, 06300 Nice
  • Individual: €6.20 full price.
  • Phone: 04 97 13 46 80
  • Address: 60 Bd Russo, 06300 Nice.

The Art Centre & Ferrero Space

The Art Centre offers exhibitions, conferences, and renowned artists’ interventions. It’s a meeting and creation place for art enthusiasts and performers.

From Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Free entrance – Collection Donation Ferrero Space Closed in August

Address: 27, boulevard Dubouchage, 06000 Nice
Phone: 04 93 13 47 70

Le 109

Le 109 is a contemporary culture hub situated on 2 hectares dedicated to artistic creation and dissemination. It hosts exhibitions, artist residencies, and cultural events.

Phone: 04 97 12 71 13
Email: le109@nice.fr
Address: 89 route de Turin, 06300 Nice.

Other Museums to Discover

Nice also houses other museums and cultural establishments, such as the Musée National Marc Chagall, the Musée des Arts Asiatiques, the Villa Arson, the Franciscan Museum, and the National Sport Museum.

Asian Arts Museum, Nice, credit: DR
Asian Arts Museum, Nice, credit: DR