About Musée Matisse

Henri Matisse was a famed French artist and moved to Nice 37 years before his death in 1954. During his stay in Nice, he created some of his excellent works. Some people say this museum does not display the artist's prized works as it has the works of artist’s stay in Nice. A part of  Matisse's legacy was donated to the city of Nice by the artist himself and by his heirs. 

Still, the museum is the best trajectory of the life and work of Henri Matisse. Set up in 1963, the museum was moved to the nearby ancient site in 1989, for expansion. It was thrown open to the public in 1933 after being closed for renovation. Thereafter with a new modern wing and more renovated spaces, the museum was able to exhibit its entire permanent collection, acquired through acquisitions and donations.

Must See

  • This museum is housed in a historic Genoese villa surrounded by splendid Italianate gardens which are a treat to watch
  •   The permanent collection of an extensive and diverse ensemble of Matisse's works is too mind-boggling
  •  Have a glimpse of all the sculptures Matisse created including  68 paintings, 236 designs, 218 drawings, and 56 sculptures
  •  The interesting sketches for the decorations of the Chapel in Vence is a treat for art lovers 
  • The entire ensemble of works provides an overview of the artist's creative method and genius
  • The artist lived in Nice from 1918 until 1954. It was handed over to the city of Nice by Matisse's family
  • As the museum also hosts exhibits, screenings of art films, and conferences every year from June to September,  art lovers should plan their trip accordingly 

How to reach

By Bus:

You can board Bus #15 Rimiez or Bus #17 Monestere/Cimiez, Both run from behind Nice Etoile Shopping Center, Galeries Lafayette, or anywhere on rue Goffredo 

 Bus #17 starts from the train station, and Bus #20 Saint-Sylvestre from the Port

 Bus #15 runs the most frequently, every 10 minutes during the week but it doesn’t run on Sundays or national holidays

 Bus routes in Nice only cost 1.50 Euro (or just 1 Euro if you buy the 10-trip card), and you pay as you board

 Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus will be the best option on Sundays when there are fewer buses This service takes you right up to both museums every half-hour in summer (every hour in winter), the fare of 22 Euros is much higher but if can you buy a French Riviera Day Pass for 26 Euros, It covers your admission to all museums (normally 10 Euro a pop or 20 Euro for a day pass), plus a lot of other facilities like a wine tasting in Old Nice, and a glass of Champagne and a few betting chips at the Casino

By Taxi:

 Of course. the easiest option is to hire a taxi. It costs 7 to 9 Euros from the Old Town to Matisse Museum

Tips

  •  All three museums in Nice are closed on Tuesday
  •  They are also closed on May 1 (Labor Day), Christmas, and New Year, so work out your trip accordingly
  •   If you wish to stay longer, then  20 Euros week-long pass is really good  as Nice has a wealth of excellent museums to explore
  •   Matisse Museum and Franciscan Monk Museum on Cimiez are located close to Chagall Museum. So you can plan a single trip to visit both the museums
  • Get into the door before the 24-hours is up to stay in as long as you wish

Visit Time

 Sunday:                        10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.      

Monday:                       10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.              

Tuesday:                       Closed

Wednesday:                  10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday:                      10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.               

Friday:                           10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.                 

Saturday:                       10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

All the municipal museums except national museum. Chagall in Nice has a 10 Euros 24-hour all-access admission charge

Children under 18, students (with ID) and locals with  proof of residence: Free 

You can buy a 7-day all-access museum pass for 20 Eurosfor all 14 municipal museums including the Matisse Museum and Palais Lascaris in Old Nice

 You can also buy a single ticket for 10 Euros and can  visit all other museums within 24-hours free 

The Museum of Asian Art in the Parc Phoenix complex, Villa Arson, a modern art museum (open only in afternoons) and the Franciscan Monk Museum on Cimiez near the Matisse Museum are free

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Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Light Intensity Shower Rain 14.21°C

 

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