Matisse Museum Nice. Facts. Visits

Matisse and the French Riviera

Born in Northern France, Henri Matisse (1869-1964) discovered the French Riviera in 1917. Treated for bronchitis, he rented a room on Cours Saleya in Nice. He immediately became passionate with the colors of the sky, the reflections of the sea, and the mildness of the climate. From then on he decided to settle in the French Riviera, first in Nice, then in Vence. Matisse painted there the "Self-portrait", "My room at Beau-Rivage", "Inside the violin", "Interior in Nice," "The open window".

"When I realized that every morning I would see this light, I could not believe in my happiness, I decided not to leave Nice, and I remained practically all my life there".

Matisse Museum Nice information

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.

Matisse Museum Nice visits

Tel: +33 (0)4 93 81 08 08

Opening times: 11am to 6pm from January 2nd to June 22nd and October 16th to December 31st. 10am to 6pm from June 23rd to October 15th. Ticket office closes at 5.30pm. Closed Tuesdays and some public holidays: 1st January, Easter Sunday, 1st May, 25th December. Exceptional closure at 5 pm) on 24th and 31st December.

Matisse Rosaire Chapel in Vence

The Rosaire Chapel in Vence, close to Nice, is a monument of sacred art unique in the world. From 1948 to 1951, Matisse conceived and realized the plans of the building and its decoration: stained glass windows, ceramics, holy water stoups, furniture, objects of the cult. Henri Matisse said: "this chapel is the result of all my active life. I consider it despite all its imperfections as my masterpiece.

Stay in Nice

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

Close to Nice, go to Cannes, the Picasso Museum in Antibes, Monaco and Menton. Map of French Riviera.

Nice is a great destination for up to a week. Fly Air France or Easyjet to Nice Airport. Check French Riviera weather.

Hôtel Negresco in Nice

The Hôtel Negresco in Nice is a historic 5-star luxury hotel located on the Promenade des Anglais. Established in 1913, it has been a symbol of elegance in the French Riviera. The hotel features a distinctive pink-and-white façade crowned with a domed tower. Its interiors boast a rich collection of art and antiques, reflecting the grandeur of the Belle Époque era.

Each room is uniquely decorated. Many rooms provide stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Hôtel Negresco is home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Chantecler. The hotel also features a brasserie and a piano bar. Guests can enjoy a private beach, a fitness center and a spa.

French Riviera tour

In half a day, discover the famous French Riviera towns of Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence on a tour from Nice.

The view of the Mediterranean will accompany you on your journey. An afternoon dedicated to discovering Antibes, Cannes and its Croisette and the pretty village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Places to visit: Departure for Antibes along the seafront to discover the ramparts and Cap d'Antibes, while admiring the view of the Alps. On to Cannes and its famous Croisette with its palm trees, luxury boutiques and hotels. Stroll through the old town. Finally, off to Saint-Paul-de-Vence and its ramparts, for a stroll through the cobbled streets typical of medieval villages. By comfortable, air-conditioned minivan limited to 8 people. Take advantage of this afternoon to discover the treasures of the coast and play star on the Croisette!

French Riviera tour information and booking