Nice Matisse Museum

Matisse and French Riviera

Born in France, Henri Matisse (1869-1964) lived on the French Riviera from 1918 until his death, mostly in Nice, but also in Vence (1943-1949).

As other 20th century painters, such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Fernand Leger, Henri Matisse was attracted by the mild climate and the beautiful sceneries of the French Riviera.

Nice Matisse Museum

With such ties between Matisse and Nice, it is no wonder Nice has a Matisse Museum with 68 paintings, 236 drawings and 57 sculptures.

Most Matisse pieces of art where donated by Henri Matisse himself, his wife and his children.

The Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence near Nice was entirely designed by Matisse. The Chapelle is a moving complement to Nice Matisse Museum.

Visit Nice Matisse Museum

Musee Matisse
164, avenue des Arènes de Cimiez
06000 Nice
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 81 08 08
Web site

Open everyday except Tuesdays from 10am to 6pm. Closed on holidays. Check before going.

To complement Nice Matisse Museum, see Chapelle du Rosaire near Nice and Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Stay in Nice

Nice is the main city of the French Riviera. See Promenade des Anglais and its beaches, Chagall Museum, Matisse Museum, Musee des Beaux Arts, the old town and the flower market.

You can visit Nice in open top-decker buses (12 stops).

Close to Nice, go to Cannes, Antibes, Monaco and Menton. Nice is a great destination for a week-end or a week. Fly Air France or Easyjet to Nice Airport.