Musée Matisse

About the museum

The villa housing the museum was built in the 17th century by the Gubernatis family on the Cimiez hill. The City of Nice bought it in 1950 and it took the name Villa des Arènes. In 1953, a year before his death, Henri Matisse gave the city a group of works to create a museum dedicated to him.

The artist’s heirs added to the holdings, notably in 1960 and 1963. The museum opened on January 5, 1963; the first floor still housed the archaeological museum, while Matisse’s works occupied the upper floor. When the archaeological museum moved out in 1989, the Musée Matisse was able to use the whole villa. Renovation and extension work carried out between 1987 and 1993 by the architect Jean-François Bodin led to reopening in June 1993.

The museum now holds nearly 600 works and 138 objects that belonged to Matisse: paintings, drawings, prints, cut-outs, sculptures and illustrated books. A new route through the collections was created from 2017. The museum is part of the municipal museums of the City of Nice and holds the Musée de France label.

Highlights

• Paintings, drawings and prints by Henri Matisse
• Cut-outs and illustrated books
• Personal belongings and the artist’s library
• 17th-century villa in the gardens of Cimiez
• Drawings related to the Rosary Chapel in Vence

Founded

1963

Operated by

Ville de Nice

Admission & discounts

Free admission on proof for under-18s, students, job seekers, holders of a disability card with a companion, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, curators, journalists and tour guides. The Pass Musées de Nice is free for residents of the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan area (valid for 3 years). The French Riviera Pass gives free access to the museum.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 main entrance is on level -2, via the grand staircase of the modern building. For suitable access, enter the garden through the gate at 164 avenue des Arènes or the one on boulevard de Cimiez, then pass through the south forecourt of the villa.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 4+

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

Playing cards for a self-guided family visit, discovery workshops for families from age 4 (about 2 hours), interactive family tours from age 7, and workshops for ages 6 to 11. Booking by email at publics.musee.matisse@ville-nice.fr.

Getting there & parking

Pedestrian entrances to the garden: avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, boulevard de Cimiez, avenue du Monastère and place du Monastère.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Kiosque des Arènes in the Cimiez gardens (coffee, lunch, aperitifs); food and drink are not allowed in the museum. ARTEUM shop on level -1. Free lockers near reception, closed with a €1 coin; backpacks and umbrellas must be left there.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum offers exclusive hire of spaces; a brochure is available on the museum website.

Plan your visit