Musée du Niel
Museum of abstract and informal art from the second half of the 20th century on the Giens peninsula, in a 1962 villa facing the sea.
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About the museum
The Musée du Niel is located at the Port du Niel on the Giens peninsula in Hyères. It was founded by Jean-Noël Drouin and Carole Waterkeyn, who wanted to share a collection of 20th-century abstract paintings begun in 2017. The museum is devoted to forms of artistic expression from the second half of the 20th century, notably non-figurative art and abstraction in post-war France, and is part of the Réseau Plein Sud.
It occupies a villa built in 1962 and renovated by the firm Vialla Pouliquen Architectes. The building is distinguished by a geometric volume over three levels surrounded by balconies, and its 300 m² of interior space alternates between half-level spaces and large openings. The garden and terraces, laid out by the ALEP workshop, offer views of the sea and of the island of Porquerolles.
The collection is limited to painting and brings together artists of varying renown, such as Hans Hartung, Pierre Soulages, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, Serge Poliakoff, Jean Dubuffet or Jean-Paul Riopelle. Each year, a themed exhibition is presented during the season, from May to October.
Highlights
- Collection of post-war abstract and informal painting
- 1962 villa with terraces facing the sea and Porquerolles
- Works by Hartung, Soulages, Vieira da Silva or Poliakoff
- A themed exhibition each year, from May to October
- Le Mérou du Niel restaurant on the terrace
- Founded
- 2023
- Director
- Florence Denis
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €10Recipients of RSA or France Travail benefits, self-employed artists (AGESSA), teachers, people with disabilities and their companion, holders of a paid ticket less than one month old for the Musée de La Banque, the Fondation Carmignac, the Olbia site or the Fort du Pradeau, and holders of the Artorama 2025 VIP card. |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 11 · Free admission for children under 12; youth rate of €6 for ages 12 to 26 inclusive. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €10Reduced rate for people with disabilities and their companion. |
| Students & apprentices | €6Youth rate for ages 12 to 26 inclusive; the Pass Culture is accepted on presentation of the booking at reception. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –For groups of 10 or more, please contact the museum to prepare your visit. |
| Youth rate (ages 12 to 26 inclusive) | €6Pass Culture accepted. |
Free for children under 12, ICOM card holders and press professionals. Proof is required for all reduced and free rates. The electronic ticket bought online gives direct access to the galleries after checking; visitors must keep to the chosen visit time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The garden and exhibition galleries are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. A parking space is reserved and must be requested in advance by phone. Only assistance dogs are admitted.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Special family tour on Sundays at 11:30. Depending on the program, a painting workshop on the terrace for children aged 6 to 12 is offered after an adapted tour. Strollers are not allowed in the galleries and are left in the lockers at the entrance.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Village de Giens (bus 67) ; Port du Niel (bus 68, en saison)
Bus line no. 67 to the village of Giens; line 68 from May 26 to September 26 to the Port du Niel. A small free train links the north car park of the Almanarre beach to the village of Giens from July 1 to August 31, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 19:30.
By car
Free parking
Village of Giens car park, free, 140 spaces, at the top of the Chemin de la Plage. One space is reserved for people with reduced mobility (reservation required at +33 4 94 91 74 22).
- Accessible parking
Driving to the Port du Niel is strictly limited during peak season: the museum advises coming on foot or by bike from the center of the village of Giens. From Hyères, follow the direction of Giens via the Route de la Madrague, then the Chemin de la Plage. Hyères-Centre railway station (SNCF) and Toulon-Hyères International Airport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
Le Mérou du Niel restaurant on the terrace, with sea views, open during museum hours except Tuesdays from May to October, and in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays in summer. Reception shop with catalogs, art books and activity books for children. Wi-Fi, toilets and air conditioning. Strollers, backpacks and large luggage can be left in the lockers at the entrance.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
The site can be hired privately: a visit of the exhibition, the garden and the terrace for a reception. Documentation and rates are available on request by email.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours of the exhibition at 11:30 and 15:30 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) and a special family tour on Sundays at 11:30, bookable through the online ticketing system. Groups, private groups and school classes should contact the museum office. Smoking, littering and picnicking are prohibited in the garden. |
