Musée Matisse Nice
Musée Matisse Nice
3.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Located on top of a hill, the Musée Matisse is part of the vast heritage complex of Cimiez, the former Roman city of Cemenelum which became the central feature of Nice’s development into a winter resort town in the 19th and 20th centuries. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum, inaugurated in 1963, consists of a 17th century villa which was revamped and extented with a new wing by the architect Jean-François Bodin between 1987 and 1993. It sits in the middle of a public garden and stands in harmony with the surrounding area, offering the public a simple and engaging introduction to Henri Matisse’s work. The collection which comprises works donated to the city by the artist and his heirs is displayed in a 1200 square meters exhibition space. Its presentation helps the public to experience Matisse’s art more fully and measure the importance of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Nancy Lulu PNice, France14 contributionsGuided Tour of Musee MatisseI love this museum! I have been several times, but this last time I took a guided tour in French and English. Our guide Veronique was wonderful. Having her share little details about Matisse's life and influences was invaluable. I especially liked hearing about his later life and the time he spent working on the cutout pieces. Living in Nice makes this museum even more special. Veronique really enhanced our visit, I highly recommend her and this museum.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten December 6, 2023
- Diane E5 contributionsA good guided visitWe had a wonderful tour in English led by a very knowledgeable guide. Elle était très sympa et j’ai beaucoup appris. L’art de Matisse et Shirley Jaffe a bien fonctionné ensemble. A very lovely well thought out museum situated near a park in Cimiez. Perfect for an outing. Highly recommend!Visited December 2023Travelled on businessWritten December 7, 2023
- AburelBucharest, Romania3,168 contributionsNice but disorganizedA long line must be in order because only one cashier sold tickets and only one security was bag checking. The Matisse work was mixed with another artist but this is fine.its a pantheon dedicated to Matisse with nice touch and dedication to his work. Park in front of the Cimiez Monastery and do not miss that one either. It’s just a small park in between.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten December 31, 2023
- Hartmut SLyon, France193 contributionsNot to be missed when visiting NiceThe special exhibit" MIROMATISSE au-dela des images" is indeed interesting - but highly intellectual and at times bit difficult to understand what the curator wanted to express or show. The museum is impressive and both the Matisse and Miro paintings on display are in itself very much worth a visit! The staff at the Museum couldn't have been more helpful and pleasant with a special thanks to Cristopher.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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3.5
1,905 reviews
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Joanne F
Tampa, FL731 contributions
Jan 2020
Having been to the Chappelle de Rosarie just a day before, it was great to continue our homage to Matisse by visiting this lovely museum. Being a big fan of his cut outs, this museum had much to offer. I especially loved the photos of Matisse creating some of his masterpieces. In addition, there is a studio for students to learn to create Matisse like art. A great visit!
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Odilie B
Hilversum, The Netherlands4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We visited the museum July 26, 2020, after some 15 years to have visited it for the first time. We like very much the work of Mattise. But we were disappointed with the small amount of his work that is in exhibition this time. It seems that various of his master pieces have been lend out or sold or stored, but we couldn’t see some of the works we saw earlier. Besides quite of the information was given only in French!.... At this 21st century it could be better!.... The museum shop was also closed.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stella g
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Couples
we arrived today to visit the museum and were annoyed at the behaviour of the staff. We booked our tickets online and as in most art museums across europe you proceed to enter and do not queue. we approached the staff to enter as he was allowing others in and was told to join the very long queue . the situation got worse as an elderly gentleman, obviously disabled was told to either join the very long queue or climb the stairs and enter the accessible entrance. this deplorable situation only was relieved by a member of the public allowing the gentleman to take the first place in the queue. a series of applause could be heard from the public who witnessed this atrocious customer service. really you need to address this situation.
Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luisguiper
Bogota, Colombia992 contributions
Jun 2019
Drawings, bronzes and paintings of the artist are found here. There are also artwork of other artists exhibited, as well as pictures of Matisse and some of his colleagues. Objects that belonged to the artist are found, too. It is rather a small collection, but I think very interesting for fans of the artist.
Written May 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandrine
81 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
On our cruise at Villefranche Port, there are lots of touring choices. We decided to focus on local culture, less crowds in the Musee Matisse area of Cimiez within Nice. We took a taxi (35-40 Euros each way) from the tender port in Villefranche directly to the Musee Matisse.
The museum is high up, great views overlooking a Roman city! We love museums and the Musee Matisse did not disappoint, clean, good lighting, modern touches in a historical building. It also has an archeological museum included with your museum ticket and Roman ruins, very informative and not too large. There is a Roman amphitheater in the park next door to the museum. We saw local residents enjoying a game of badminton there, while others were walking or sitting outside having an espresso or sandwich from the Olive tree orchard park's cafe. The park has clean, pay for toilets available.
A short walk from the Musee Matisse is a Franciscan Monastery, (Monastere de Cimiez) its gardens are a must see, explore, enjoy the peaceful setting and the best view! Across the way you can see the hilltop Observatory, (Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur).
There is a Historical building, Hotel Regina, also within walking distance of the Musee Matisse, we were unable to go inside due to time limits back to the ship but enjoyed the hotels regal, beautiful architecture. It took a while to get a taxi for our return, best to stay in front of the Musee Matisse entrance main street or call for a taxi.
Enjoyed and recommend the Musee Matisse and the charming Cimiez area.
Happy travels!
The museum is high up, great views overlooking a Roman city! We love museums and the Musee Matisse did not disappoint, clean, good lighting, modern touches in a historical building. It also has an archeological museum included with your museum ticket and Roman ruins, very informative and not too large. There is a Roman amphitheater in the park next door to the museum. We saw local residents enjoying a game of badminton there, while others were walking or sitting outside having an espresso or sandwich from the Olive tree orchard park's cafe. The park has clean, pay for toilets available.
A short walk from the Musee Matisse is a Franciscan Monastery, (Monastere de Cimiez) its gardens are a must see, explore, enjoy the peaceful setting and the best view! Across the way you can see the hilltop Observatory, (Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur).
There is a Historical building, Hotel Regina, also within walking distance of the Musee Matisse, we were unable to go inside due to time limits back to the ship but enjoyed the hotels regal, beautiful architecture. It took a while to get a taxi for our return, best to stay in front of the Musee Matisse entrance main street or call for a taxi.
Enjoyed and recommend the Musee Matisse and the charming Cimiez area.
Happy travels!
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OkayTC
London, UK427 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We have sympathy with the reviews about booking online and then having to queue with people buying tickets. Today they had a security person upstairs overlooking the entrance and they quite aggressively told us to queue - only one cashier - who when it was our turn simply scanned our online tickets. The management need to get a grip so either stop selling online tickets or position someone at the door to facilitate entry rather than standing in the wrong place. Complete farce which spoilt our visit. The latest exhibition is interesting though unclear and poorly structured. Not a great experience and as regular visitors to Nice we may not bother to walk up to the museum again.
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie K
Boston, Massachusetts140 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Well curated. Across the entire museum, it was well thought out with easy to scan qr codes for English and a clear narrative. I'm not a huge matisse fan so I wasn't expecting a lot but I loved how they had a Hockney comparison at the time. It was clear and informative and interesting. There are old Roman ruins nearby as well.
Free parking at the top of the park. About 30 spots and we arrived on a Sunday morning with about half the spots left.
Free parking at the top of the park. About 30 spots and we arrived on a Sunday morning with about half the spots left.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susanne E
Bouches-du-Rhone, France40 contributions
Jun 2023
After waiting in line for quite some time I found this museum too crowded even though they only let in a certain number of people at one time. I am lucky that I understand French, I heard a lot of complaining about signs only in 1 language. Unfortunately it felt like something was missing, not that much art by Matisse.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William P
Glendale, AZ1,250 contributions
Nov 2021
This visit confirmed my original feelings that Matisse is definitely not one of my favorite painters! The exhibits were very lackluster and quite disappointing. The museum is full of stairways to view the exhibits. The best part of the visit was the bus ride up from the city to the museum. Nice itself is full of spectacular buildings from a hundred or so years ago. I nicknamed it the "City of Palaces!"
Written November 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heli P
Helsinki, Finland7,374 contributions
Sept 2022
Matisse spent his last years bound indoors due to illnes but still creative. In his residence at hotel Regina accros the street from the museum he made art by cutting pieces of coloured paper to form. Large Flowers and fruits wellcomes the visitors guarded by his favourite statue Cleobis, a copy of a Greek original in Louvre which he kept for 40 years for inspiration. With the same method he designed the stained glass window panels to the Vence Chapel. The collection of the museum owned by the city of Nice was donated by the artist himself and his family. There is no cafeteria, only a summer cafe in the park. Bus no 5 from downtown will take you up the hill.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buongiorno! Vorremmo visitare il vostro museo, ma ho un cane labrador, possiamo vederci?
Written September 14, 2023
Hello! I've read on the museum's website: "It is not possible to enter the museum with backpacks, suitcases, travel bags".
Please: Anyone who went to the museum carrying a backpack (as many tourists do), what did you do with it?
Written April 6, 2018
There are free lockers to use although I did see some people with small rucksacks but they had to wear them on their fronts.
Written April 6, 2018
Bonjour
Comment fonctionne ce pass 24H ? C'est 24h à partir de la date d'achat ? Ou 24 H à partir de l'entrée au premier musée ?
Merci
Cordialement
Written January 26, 2018
Bonjour,
Il nous a été indiqué que c’etait un pass valable pour la journée. (Je n’ai pas cherché à savoir si c’était « d’heure à heure »)
Written January 30, 2018
About the Matisse Museum Nice. Some visitors say there is a cafe on the grounds, but other reviewers swear there is no cafe.
Can anyone clear this up? Just where is the cafe? Does it have a name? Who runs it?
Many thanks.
Written October 30, 2017
Is the museum still under construction? Are all his works on display? Which ones are not? I am staying at Regence hotel
How do I get to Museum? What is admission? Is admission tied to Chagall museum as well?
Is there a time to visit which is less busy on Friday?
Thanks for your time.
JK Florida
Written March 16, 2017
There is no contruction that I know of, pls ask your hotel for best bus connection! The answers above contain all your requests, the ticket is vslid also for other museums, the staff at the museum is totally helpful! Enjoy your visit and the comfortable couches. This is a good time in general to visit Cannes, there is no queue in March! Best regards
Written March 17, 2017
Avec un nom comme «Etoile», et de la région francophone du New Hampshire, vous devriez accueillir l'utilisation du français pour expliquer les œuvres de Matisse
Written January 17, 2017
Robert, Sorry, do not get the point and the Google translator is not helpful. Was there a question?
Written January 17, 2017
Is there a gift shop where I can buy posters or prints to take home? And is there a cafe?
Written November 12, 2016
Yes there is a lovely gift shop in the musee Matisse. However, as far as a cafe is concerned, you might be disapointed (French museum have not all understood all the money they could make in having a café inside, mostly because they are funded by the state or the city).
Depending on your need for coffee and will to walk, your 5 choices are the following :
1) Go to the refreshment stall which is in the park around the roman arenas (not opened during the "cold months"),
2) Go to the Monoprix mini-mall which is 100 yards up the arenas in the rue de Flirey
3) Go to the nearest bar-café located on place Commandant Gerome (600 yards up the rue de Flirey)
4) (recommended) Go back down in the city where you'll find plenty (Cimiez is a residential area with scarce shops, and even less bar-cafés).
5) Get your own insulated coffee mug ;-) (may be the easier)
Nevertheless the Musee Matisse is a really nice place to see and understand Matisse work evolution. In addition, you can visit the roman city ruins, the monastery's church and related garden (from which you have a wonderful point of view on the eastern part of Nice, the mountains and the sea.
Enjoy your stay in Nice.
Written November 14, 2016
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