Matisse Museum Tours

Matisse Museum
Matisse Museum which includes a square or plaza and a sunset
Matisse Museum featuring signage
Matisse Museum featuring a square or plaza
Matisse Museum which includes a garden as well as an individual male


Get to know the life and works of one of the French Riviera’s most celebrated artists at this superb Nice museum.

The Matisse Museum fittingly has one of the largest Matisse collections in the world. Many artists are associated with the area around Nice one of the biggest names among them is Henri Matisse.

The museum is housed in a grand, pink-hued 17th-century villa. Note that many of the sculptures, drawings and paintings in the collection were donated by Matisse himself or his heirs. Matisse moved to Cimiez, the neighborhood where the museum is located, in 1917. The work he created here after World War I is considered to be softer and more relaxed than his earlier work from his time living in Paris.

Browse the collection, which comprises hundreds of paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and photographs spanning Matisse’s career from beginning to end. Matisse is most famous as a painter, and some of his finest works are on display here. Look for Femme a l’ombrelle, a colorful dot painting of a woman holding an umbrella. Tempête a Nice shows a different view of the Riviera’s normally sunny weather, as it depicts Nice in a thunderstorm.

Take some time to examine Matisse’s numerous sculptures too. Many of these are dark and even slightly threatening in comparison to his better-known and more colorful paintings. Look for Tete de faune, a slightly devilish bust of a faun or goat, cast in bronze with a wicked grin on its face. Jaguar dévorant un lièvre d’après Barye depicts a gruesome scene from nature, as a jaguar devours a hare.

The museum also houses a collection of fascinating personal items. View household objects such as a pinstriped armchair and brasero oven, as well as artifacts crucial to his life’s work, such as Matisse’s painting desk, still full of brushes and spattered with paint.

The Matisse Museum is open daily except Tuesday and is closed on some public holidays. Travel here by bus and get off at Les Arènes/Musée Matisse.

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Best Lodging Options Near Matisse Museum

Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais

Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais

4 out of 5
2 Rue Halevy, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais
Hotel Du Centre, un hotel AMMI

Hotel Du Centre, un hotel AMMI

2 out of 5
2 Rue De Suisse, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hotel Du Centre, un hotel AMMI
Le Meridien Nice

Le Meridien Nice

4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Le Meridien Nice
Hotel Byakko Nice

Hotel Byakko Nice

3 out of 5
6 Rue Miron, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hotel Byakko Nice
Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice

Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice

4 out of 5
27 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice

Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice

4 out of 5
8-10 Esplanade du Parvis de l'Europe, Nice, Alpes- Cote d'Azur
Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice
Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal

Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal

3 out of 5
23 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal
Yelo Marengo Hotel Centre-Ville, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

Yelo Marengo Hotel Centre-Ville, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

35 Boulevard Raimbaldi, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Yelo Marengo Hotel Centre-Ville, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy
Hôtel Saint Georges

Hôtel Saint Georges

4 out of 5
7, Avenue Georges Clemenceau, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hôtel Saint Georges
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Matisse Museum

While visiting the Matisse Museum in Nice, explore the captivating art collections and nearby Cimiez Museums. Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a Pass Musée for greater access to local attractions. For additional activities, consider enjoying the vibrant casino scene or indulging in boating and sailing adventures along the beautiful coastline.

Food and drinks

Indulge in delightful cuisine at Florida Beach, 2 miles from Matisse Museum, or enjoy the ambiance at Lenval Beach, 3 miles away. For a unique twist, visit Deli', located 4 miles from the museum, where local flavors meet a vibrant atmosphere.

Shopping

For shopping near the Matisse Museum, check out Nice Étoile Shopping Center, only 1 mile away, offering family-friendly entertainment. The Libération Market is also nearby at 1 mile, perfect for local goods. Cours Saleya, a vibrant public market, is 2 miles away, showcasing fresh produce and crafts.

Recreation

Allianz Riviera, 4 miles from the Matisse Museum, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Jean Bouin Sport Palace, located 0.9 miles away, combines ice skating with thrilling entertainment. For a tranquil outdoor experience, visit Monte Carlo Golf Club, situated 8 miles from the museum, ideal for golf lovers.

Adventure

Experience the Nietzsche Path, a scenic hiking trail located 4 miles from the Matisse Museum, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventure. For a thrilling experience, try the Riviera Nature zipline ropes course, situated 18 miles away, where you can soar through the treetops amidst the stunning Riviera landscape.

Nightlife

For an exciting night near the Matisse Museum, try your luck at Casino Ruhl, just 2 miles away. Enjoy a cultural experience at Nice Theatre, only 1 mile away, or embrace adventure at Fun City, located 20 miles away, perfect for family fun.

Find the best attractions near Matisse Museum

The Matisse Museum in Nice is surrounded by a variety of attractions that appeal to culture enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Visitors can explore nearby art museums, beautiful beaches, and historic churches. While enjoying the outdoor experience, don't miss the chance to visit the renowned Matisse Museum, also known as Musée Matisse, along with other museums of Nice to enrich your cultural journey.

  • Promenade des Anglais: This iconic esplanade stretches along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, perfect for family outings or romantic strolls. Enjoy stunning views, vibrant beach life, and local cafes as you take in the fresh sea breeze.
  • Port of Nice: A lively marina brimming with adventure, the Port of Nice offers thrilling boat tours and water sports. Explore the charming waterfront lined with colorful buildings and indulge in local seafood at nearby restaurants.
  • Place Massena: The heart of Nice, this bustling square is rich in culture and city vibes. Admire the striking architecture, relax in the gardens, and experience local events or art displays that showcase the city's vibrant spirit.

Best time to go to Matisse Museum

Visitor numbers around Matisse Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Matisse Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Matisse Museum falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Matisse Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowModerately Low
February46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
March50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighModerately High
August74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighModerately High
September68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainSunnyAverageModerately High
October61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowModerately Low
December48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Matisse Museum

When visiting the Matisse Museum in Nice, save money by exploring nearby free attractions like the Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena. Book your hotel in the cheaper months of January to February or November, and aim to reserve about a month in advance for the best rates. Consider using Expedia for package deals that combine flights and hotels, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. For public transport, opt for affordable options to navigate the city and make the most of your budget-friendly vacation.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Matisse Museum is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Matisse Museum are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Matisse Museum about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. To discover the most affordable prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Matisse Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.