Nice Museums

Musée National Message Biblique Marc-Chagall is devoted to Chagall's treatment of biblical themes. Over 400 pieces of his work are displayed here, and among these are his oils, pastels, drawings, lithographs, gouaches, ceramics, sculptures, mosaics, and more. Several stained glass windows designed by Chagall are also displayed here.

The Museum-Gallery Alexis and Gustav Adolf Mossa is an impressive collection of the artistic works of a father and son. Alexis was a remarkable watercolour painter, and the originator of Nice's carnaval procession. His son, Gustav Adolf, continued in the tradition of his father, and produced some great works of art. Pieces from both of their collections are housed here, and guided tours are available if booked in advance.

The Mark Chagall Museum showcases the artist's life and work. Among the pieces of the permanent collection are a number of his paintings, as well as his stained glass windows, which decorate the concert hall, and a mosaic which he created specifically for the building. His preparatory sketches, engravings, art books and lithographs are also on display, as are a number of works by other artists, which were aquired by Chagall himself prior to his 1985 death, and following this by the museum itself. A cafeteria and gift and book store are located on the premises, and guided tours are available.

The permanent collections at the Massena Museum of Art and History focus on the history of Nice, and the Earldom from the 11th to 19th century. The exhibits include religious and sacred art including paintings, sculpture, and silver and goldsmiths trade, and these are regional, as well as from Spain, Germany, and Italy. Also here are authentic arms and armours from the throughout Europe from the 15th to 19th centuries; Spanish, Italian, and French ceramics from the 16th to 19th century; Empirical items, including some from the Napoleonic times; and documents from the Revolution, Empire, and Restoration periods. Guided tours are available.

The Franciscan Museum and Cimiez Monastery showcases the Franciscan way of life from the 18th century to modern day. The church displays various documents and works of art, and among these are a large gilded wood Baroque alter piece with a fallen Jesus on it, three paintings by Louis Brea, and a Seraphic Cross from 1477.

Musée International d'Art Naïf Anatole-Jakovsky (Museum of Naïve Art)is located in the Fabron district of Nice. The museum, named for the art critic, houses Jakovsky's personal collection. Over 600 drawings and canvases are located here, and the works are an overview of artists from over two dozen countries, and from primitive to recent pieces.

A variety of temporary and permanent exhibits are housed at the Cimiez Museum of Archeaology. It is built on the monumental centre of the ancient Cemenelum, which was a country town of the Roman province of 'Alpes - Maritimes', from 14 BC to the 5th century AD. The museum is intended to illustrate this time, and the area's life and history. Among the exhibits are items such as jewellery, sculptures, ancient pottery, coins, tools, models and more. Interactive displays are also located here. The museum closes anually from mid-November until the beginning of December. Guided tours are available.

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Palais Masséna is set in a villa constructed in 1900. It is a museum that focuses on decorative art and local history. There is a First Empire drawing room furnished with mahogany-veneer pieces and ormulu mounts on the ground floor. In addition, there is a representation of Napolean as a Roman Caesar, a bust by Canova of Maréchal Masséna, a collection of Nicoise primitives, 14th and 15th century paintings, and 16th to 19th century materpieces including enamel-decorated plates and jewellery. Among the galleries are an art display of the history of Nice, and views of Nice during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The vast collections at the Fine Arts Museum cover the 18th to 20th centuries. A great deal of the collection here focuses on the French 19th century, and both impressionism and post impressionism is covered here. Among the artists works diplayed are pieces by Rodin, Monet, Carpeaux, Chéret, Boudin, Vuillard, and many others.

The Natural History Museum is made up of four rooms, each focusing on a different area of natural history. These areas include the studies of birds, fungi, minerology, and geology. Numerous temporary exhibits are also housed here.

The Photography and Picture Theatre offers photographic exhibitions, symposiums, and conferences. There are five exhibition rooms present, and these hold everything from photojournalism to portraits to landscapes.

Musée d'Art moderne et d'Art Contemporain features French and American avant-garde art from the 1960s to the present day. The different sections of the museum are linked together by glass passageways. The art displayed here includes the works of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Rauschenburg. One entire section of the museum is devoted to French artist Yves Klein.

The Naval Museum is located in the Bellanda Tower, which overlooks the sea and is itself a historic monument. Among the items displayed are navigational instruments, ancient arms, scale models, boats, paintings, and engravings.

The Prehistoric Museum of Terra Amata focuses on a prehistoric elephant hunters camp. It has been reconstructed using plaster castings, and there is a recreation of a 400, 000 BC Acheulian living quarter. Audio visual displays are also located here, and there are a number of temporary exhibits.

The Matisse Museum is housed in a 17th century Italian villa that has distinctive red walls. The collection of works housed inside include those lent from the State, his heirs, and Matisse himself, who was a resident of Nice from 1917 to 1954. Everything from his student works to those he did in his later years are displayed here. The museum is located in the heart of an olive grove that is close to the Hotel Regina, where Matisse resided during his time in Nice.