Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret

About the museum

The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nice had several locations before settling on the Baumettes hill. A bequest from Augustin Carlone in 1868 formed the basis of the collection, on condition that a museum be created. A first room opened in 1875 in an apartment in the city centre; the museum then moved in 1889 and again in 1901.

In 1925 the City of Nice bought the Villa des Baumettes, built from 1878 for the Countess Kotschoubey and converted in the 1880s into a residence in the Italian neo-Renaissance style. It is also known as the Villa Thompson, after an American owner. The architect Nicolas Anselmi oversaw its conversion into an exhibition space. The “Palais des Arts – musée Jules Chéret” opened on January 7, 1928.

The collections span the 12th to the 20th century: 17th-century Flemish painting, and French painting and sculpture from the 18th to the 20th century, with works by Van Loo, Fragonard, Dufy, Mossa, Rodin and Carpeaux. The museum also holds posters by Jules Chéret, whose name it bears. It is a municipal museum and carries the “Musée de France” label.

Highlights

• 17th-century Flemish painting
• Paintings by Van Loo, Fragonard and Dufy
• Works by Gustave-Adolphe Mossa
• Sculptures by Rodin and Carpeaux
• Posters by Jules Chéret
• Belle Époque neo-Renaissance villa and its garden

Founded

1928

Operated by

Ville de Nice

Admission & discounts

Free with proof for visitors under 18, students, job seekers, recipients of certain social benefits, teachers, journalists, tour guides and ICOM members. The Pass Musées de Nice is free for residents of Nice and the metropolitan area aged 18 and over (valid 3 years). The French Riviera Pass grants free access.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor is reached by a few steps; for visitors with reduced mobility who do not use a wheelchair, a step-free entrance can be requested. The museum has no elevator to the first floor. Accessible toilets are available on request at the front desk and are the only toilets open to the public. Suitcases, large bags and helmets are not permitted in the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 7+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Family workshop every Wednesday at 15:00 during school holidays (about 2 hours, for children aged 7 and over accompanied by a parent; booking required). Ten activity booklets for children are available to download. Strollers are welcome and can be left at the front desk. A baby-changing table is located in the restrooms.

Getting there & parking

There is no parking near the museum; the museum recommends public transport.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit