Henri Matisse was one of the most influential painters of the 20th century, and the Musée Matisse in Nice, France, is dedicated to his work. Located in the city’s beautiful Cimiez neighborhood, the museum houses more than 5,000 works of art by the artist, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. It also features a selection of Matisse’s personal possessions, including furniture, fabrics, and books.
History of the Museum
The Musée Matisse opened in 1963, just a few years after Matisse’s death. The museum was founded by the artist’s son, Pierre Matisse, and was originally housed in the family’s villa in Cimiez. In 1966, the museum was moved to its current location in the former Hotel Regina, which had been built in the late 19th century. In 1992, the museum was expanded to include a library, a bookshop, and a conservation laboratory.
Collections
The museum’s collections are divided into four main categories: paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. The paintings collection includes some of Matisse’s most famous works, such as “The Dance” and “The Snail.” The sculpture collection includes a variety of Matisse’s bronze and marble sculptures, as well as his painted wood sculptures. The drawings collection contains a selection of Matisse’s works on paper, from pencil sketches to ink drawings. The prints collection includes lithographs, etchings, and woodcuts, as well as several books illustrated by Matisse.
Exhibitions
The Musée Matisse regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring the work of Matisse and other modern artists. Recent exhibitions have included “Matisse and Modern Masters,” which showcased the influence of Matisse on other artists, and “Matisse and the Mediterranean,” which explored the artist’s relationship with the Mediterranean region. The museum also hosts educational programs, such as guided tours and workshops, and special events, such as concerts and film screenings.
Visiting the Museum
The Musée Matisse is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with extended hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 8pm. Admission is free for visitors under 18 and for students with valid identification. There is a small fee for adults, and tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. The museum is accessible by public transportation, and there is a parking lot nearby.
Location and Contact Information
- Address: 163 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice, France
- Phone: +33 (0)4 93 81 08 08
- Website: https://www.musee-matisse-nice.org/en/