Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse) Tours
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Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse), an homage to the life and work of Nice’s hometown art hero and world-renowned French painter Henri Matisse. Though small, the museum provides detailed information about Matisse’s life and examines the evolution of his work through key sketches, paintings, and sculptures.
The Basics
The permanent collection at the Matisse Museum is small but mighty, with notable pieces including Les Abeilles, Fleurs et Fruits, and some of his signature paper cutouts. The building itself—the grand 17th-century Genoese Villa des Arènes—is a work of art and is close to Matisse's old home at the Hotel Regina.
Because of its small size, the Matisse Museum is best experienced as part of a French Riviera sightseeing tour or a Nice art tour, which likely includes stops at the Chagall Museum and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance ticket is good for all municipal museums.
- Only some information is in English; visit with a guide for the best translations.
- Expect to spend roughly 90 minutes exploring the collection and gift shop.
- Though there is a large staircase without a railing, an elevator provides accessibility.
- Backpacks and other large bags are not allowed.
How to Get There
Located on the grand Avenue des Arenes de Cimiez in the hills overlooking Nice, the museum is best accessed by bus. Catch the 15, 17, 20, or 25 from the Nice central bus station (just outside of Old Town) to the Les Arenes/Musée stop.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round from 11am to 6pm and opens at 10am during the high season from mid-June through mid-October. It is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. Check in advance for a regular calendar of special workshops for children and adults alike.
Artists’ Residencies
Provence was once the home to a number of France's greatest painters, including Marc Chagall, who enjoyed the warm weather and good light of Southern France.
Address: 164 ave des Arenes de Cimiez, Arenes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur 06000, France
Admission: Varies
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse)
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Arts Tour to Chagall, Matisse and Rothschild Half-day from Nice Small-Group
Dig into the cultural history of the French Riviera with a half-day art tour of Nice. Follow your knowledgeable guide to the Chagall Museum in Nice's Cimiez neighborhood for a tour, and then to the colorful Matisse Museum on Cimiez Hill. Finish your artistic tour with a stop at the luxurious Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in the town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
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From
$105.15
From
$105.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Nice Le Grand Tour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus
This Nice bus tour lets you enjoy all the benefits of a guided tour—including hassle-free transport and on-board audio commentary—and still explore the sights at your own pace. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, so you can hop on and off at attractions such as the Promenade des Anglais, Mont Boron, and the Matisse Museum, or stay on-board and take in the views aboard an open-top double-decker bus.
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From
$18.56
From
$18.56
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Nice - Cimiez Hill Tour
Discover the ancient Roman part of Nice! What is so exciting about the vestiges of Roman city Cemenelum? Wander among Cimiez Arena Garden and visit Villa des Arènes, which is today a Museum of Matisse, the French painter. It is a must for each art and history lover. The ruins include an arena, amphitheater, thermal baths, and paleochristian basilica. Together with a professional local guide, you will explore the different face of France. What did Queen Victoria do here? What famous painters are resting here?
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From
$626.68
per group
From
$626.68
per group
Nice: Self-Guided City Experience
Download the Vox City app to strike a great balance between independent wandering and a guided tour in Nice. Travel on foot or via public transportation using the different itineraries, stopping at points that interest you and skipping the ones you're not into. The app operates offline, so there's no need to worry about data or roaming charges.
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From
$12.37
From
$12.37
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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