Matisse Museum — Cimiez

In the Cimiez quarter — the residential hill dominating Nice to the north-east, where aristocratic European families built their winter villas at the end of the 19th century — a 17th-century Genoese Roman-style villa with ochre facades houses the world's most complete Matisse collection. Henri Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 to 1954 — the last 37 years of his life. Here he produced his most famous works, his cut-outs, his Jazz and his final oils.

The Matisse Museum, opened in 1963, conserves over 200 works — paintings, sculptures, drawings, cut-out gouaches, illustrated books, engravings — that Matisse himself and his heirs donated to the City of Nice.

The Franciscan Garden and Matisse's Tomb

Steps from the museum, within the Franciscan Convent (14th century), the Franciscan garden holds the tombs of Henri Matisse and his wife Amélie — a peaceful place of contemplation surrounded by century-old olive trees, roses and pergolas.

Pricing

Entry €10 (3-day museum pass €15). Free on the 1st Sunday of the month.

Guest Reviews

Highlights: The Matisse Museum is described as one of France's richest monographic museums — 200 original works in a 17th-century Nice villa setting is a rare experience. The Franciscan garden with Matisse's tomb is cited as a very moving moment of contemplation. Label and staging quality is very appreciated.

Areas for improvement: Museum is in Cimiez — 25 min from centre (bus 15 or 17). Some visitors find the collection slightly repetitive. Closed Tuesdays.

Overall: The Matisse Museum is Nice's most important museum address for art lovers — a world-unique collection in an appealing residential quarter, with the master's tomb next door.