Museums, Fondations and Galleries

This curated selection brings together my favourite museums and art foundations for truly exceptional, high-quality cultural experiences.
From modern art to archaeology, these places offer a deep immersion into everything Nice and its surroundings have to offer
in the worlds of art, history, and creative expression.
Each address has been chosen for the quality of its collections, its setting,and the unique perspective it offers on the cultural richness of the French Riviera.
Nice offers an excellent 4-day Museum Pass (€15), granting access to nine of the city’s municipal museums.
From archaeology to modern art, it opens the doors to over 4,000 years of heritage, to be explored freely and without hurry (excluding the Marc Chagall National Museum, which operates under a separate national system).
Passes and individual tickets can be purchased online or directly at museum ticket counters

MATISSE MUSEUM

The Musée Matisse is a world-class museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, situated in Cimiez where the artist lived and worked most of his life. Its rich permanent collection spans paintings, drawings, sculpture and graphic works that illustrate Matisse’s profound relationship with Mediterranean light and colour.
In 2025–2026, the museum presents Henri Matisse, Chemin de Croix, Dessiner la Passion, a rare exhibition exploring the preparatory works for the monumental Stations of the Cross conceived for the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, an extraordinary insight into one of his most singular artistic projects (from 1 Oct 2025 to 19 Jan 2026) .
Website
Booking
Open daily except Tuesday, 10 am–6 pm
164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice

MARC CHAGALL NATIONAL MUSEUM

An exceptional museum conceived during Marc Chagall’s lifetime, dedicated primarily to his Biblical Message series.
This unique institution offers a deeply moving experience where art, spirituality, architecture, and nature come together in perfect harmony.
One of the most meaningful and refined cultural visits in Nice.
Website
Booking
Open daily except Tuesday, 10am–6pm
Avenue Docteur Ménard, 06000 Nice

MUSÉE DES BEAUX ARTS JULES CHÉRET

Housed in a beautiful Belle Époque villa near the sea, this museum presents a refined collection ranging from the 17th to the 20th century.
Paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts create an elegant overview of European artistic movements, making it a rewarding and often underrated visit.
Website
Booking
Open daily except Monday, 11am–6pm
33 avenue des Baumettes, 06000 Nice
Tramway L2, « Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen » station (access to the museum via behind the tram’s stop stairs)

FONDATION FRANCIS BACON, Monaco

Entirely dedicated to the life and work of Francis Bacon, this exceptional foundation offers a rare, intimate, and intellectually rich approach to one of the most powerful figures of modern art.
Rather than a traditional museum, it functions as a research and archive centre, preserving thousands of documents, photographs, letters, and working materials related to the artist.
Visits are by appointment only, in small groups, making the experience highly personal and exclusive.
Also, every tuesday and on the first saturday of each month free guided tours lasting about an hour and a half are offered for groups of up to six people.
A truly special place for art lovers seeking depth, context, and a deeper understanding of Bacon’s life and creative process.
Website
To book your visit, contact the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation between 10.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Call +377 93 30 30 33 or send an email at info@mbartfoundation.com
Open Monday to Friday, by appointment
21 boulevard d’Italie, 98000 Monaco

GRIMALDI FORUM, Monaco

One of the Riviera’s most prestigious cultural venues, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco is internationally recognised for its exceptional temporary exhibitions. Each year, it partners with leading museums and institutions worldwide to present museum-quality shows featuring major artists and remarkable loans.
Exhibitions change regularly and are ticketed, reflecting their international calibre and outstanding scenography. A refined and rewarding cultural experience, ideal for travellers seeking world-class art in an elegant setting by the sea.
In summer 2026, it hosts Monaco and the Automobile, from 1893 to the Present Day, an ambitious exhibition exploring the deep ties between Monaco, automotive history, design, and innovation.
Beyond exhibitions, the Grimaldi Forum is also a vibrant cultural hub offering concerts, performances, shows, and major events throughout the year, making it a key destination for world-class culture on the Riviera. An elegant and rewarding experience for travellers seeking excellence, creativity, and international-level programming.
Website & booking
Opening hours vary according to exhibitions
10 avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco

FONDATION MAEGHT, Saint Paul de Vence

One of the most important private art foundations in Europe, Fondation Maeght is set in a stunning architectural and natural environment overlooking Saint-Paul de Vence. Its collection includes masterpieces by Giacometti, Miró, Calder, Kandinsky, Bonnard and many others, offering a rich panorama of modern and contemporary art.
The foundation’s excellent installations and gardens make this visit a truly exceptional cultural and sensory experience .
Website
Booking
Open daily, 10 am–6 pm
623 chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence

MUSÉE D’ARCHÉOLOGIE de Nice, Cimiez

Located on the former site of Cemenelum, the ancient Roman capital of the region, this museum offers one of the most fascinating journeys into the deep history of Nice. Set beside remarkably preserved Roman ruins, it provides a rare and immersive understanding of daily life in antiquity.
What makes the Musée d’Archéologie de Nice-Cimiez truly exceptional is the way collections and archaeological remains are seamlessly connected. Artefacts, mosaics, inscriptions, and everyday objects are displayed in direct dialogue with the ruins themselves, creating a powerful sense of place and continuity. A quiet, intellectually rich visit that reveals the ancient foundations of the Riviera.
Website
Booking
Open daily except Tuesday, 10am–6pm
160 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice