Musée national Marc Chagall

About the museum

The museum grew out of gifts made to the French State by Marc Chagall and his wife Valentina. From 1966 the artist donated, among other works, the seventeen large canvases of the Message biblique cycle, with the support of André Malraux. The building, designed by the architect André Hermant, was erected in Cimiez on land offered by the City of Nice.

The museum opened on July 7, 1973, Chagall’s birthday, in the presence of the artist. Chagall also took part in the fitting out: he created the mosaic of the prophet Elijah, reflected in the outdoor pool, and the auditorium windows devoted to the Creation of the World. The Mediterranean garden was designed by Henri Fisch.

In 2008, with the agreement of the family, the museum took its present name, Musée national Marc Chagall, and broadened its scope to the artist’s entire body of work. It presents paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, stained glass and mosaics, and also offers a concert programme in its auditorium.

Highlights

• Message biblique cycle, seventeen large canvases by Chagall
• Stained-glass windows of the Creation of the World in the auditorium
• Mosaic of the prophet Elijah and outdoor pool
• Mediterranean garden by Henri Fisch
• Drawings, prints and sculptures by Chagall

Founded

1973

Operated by

Ministère de la Culture (musée national)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of each month

Rates outside temporary exhibitions; during a temporary exhibition, full price is €12 and reduced rate €10. Free admission also for teachers and recipients of certain minimum social benefits. A combined ticket with the Musée national Fernand Léger is valid for 30 days.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair access and accessible toilets. Tours and mediation are offered to visually impaired visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Creative family visit-workshops (about 1 to 1.5 hours, groups of up to 15 people, children from age 4 depending on the format), booked by phone or email on weekdays. Playful trails with a treasure hunt or tablet, depending on the period.

Getting there & parking

By car: A8 motorway, Nice Centre exit, then voie Mathis, “Cimiez” exit. Free parking for cars and coaches. Nice Côte d’Azur airport is 7 km away.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum snack bar; bookshop open during the break. Cloakroom for small backpacks and helmets (max. 20 × 25 × 40 cm); coats, suitcases and valuables are not accepted. Drinks are forbidden in the galleries but allowed in the garden; a water fountain is at reception. Bags are checked at the entrance.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum offers hire of spaces for private events; details are available on the museum website.

Plan your visit