Musée Matisse 🇫🇷

If you are traveling to Nice, France, a visit to the Musée Matisse offers you an unforgettable look into the life and creative journey of master French painter Henri Matisse. Set in the historic neighborhood of Cimiez, this municipal museum is housed within the striking Villa des Arènes, a seventeenth-century villa originally constructed between 1670 and 1685 as the Gubernatis palace. You will step into a space deeply tied to the artist himself, who lived and worked in Nice from 1917 to 1954.

The museum opened in 1963 and later expanded with a new modern wing, allowing it to display one of the world's largest collections of his creations. As you walk through its renovated galleries, you can trace Matisse's full artistic evolution, from his early beginnings all the way through his last works. The extensive permanent collection features 68 paintings and gouaches, 236 drawings, 218 prints, 57 sculptures, 95 photographs, and 14 books illustrated by Matisse.

Beyond his fine art, you will also discover 187 personal objects that once belonged to the painter, alongside captivating prints, tapestries, ceramics, stained glass, and historic documents donated by Matisse, his heirs, and the State.

What to see at Musée Matisse

• One of the world's largest collections tracing Matisse's artistic evolution
• Located in the historic 17th-century Villa des Arènes in Cimiez
• Exhibits 68 paintings and gouaches, 236 drawings, and 57 sculptures
• Features 187 personal objects that belonged to Henri Matisse
• Includes tapestries, ceramics, stained glass, and illustrated books

Visiting tips

Be sure to explore both the historic 17th-century villa spaces and the modern wing to see the entire permanent collection.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Musée Matisse is easy to reach on Nice’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Nice travel guide.