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It is no wonder the landscape of southeast France is a great influence to so many artists. The rolling hills, mighty mountains, and sapphire blue sea are captivating. Many of the museums in Nice provide wonderful examples of this influence, but that is not all you will find; there are museums dedicated to modern art, archaeology, science, and more. While strolling throughout one of the many beautiful parks it is common to come across art students and seasoned painters capturing the incredible scenery. Museums Cimiez Museum of Archeology This museum houses tools, sculptures, pottery, engravings, jewelry, and coins from the time of Roman occupation. Ancient baths and other buildings are being excavated on the site. Located at 160 ave des Arènes. Open April through September and selected dates in November. Closed Sunday mornings and Monday. Hotel Negresco While not a museum, the Hotel Negresco dates back to the early 1900s and is a wonderful example of the Belle Époque style of that time. It is listed as an historical building and is well worth a visit. Located at 37 Promenade des Anglais. Masséna Art and History Museum The museum, located next to the Place Masséna, contains paintings, furniture, and military artifacts from the Nice-Piémont region. Located at 35 Promenade des Anglais. The museum is closed on Mondays and from November 19 to December 1. Matisse Museum Matisse lived in Nice for thirty-seven years, until his death in 1954. While in Nice he created his famous gouaches découpées, or "cut-outs". The museum houses works from each period throughout his life, many from his personal collection. Located at 164 ave des Arénes de Cimiez. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and some holidays. Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain This modern art museum specialises in French and American avant-garde art from the 1960s to today. Located at Promenade des Arts. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and some holidays. Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall Influences from Cubism, Fauvism, and Surrealism are found in the paintings, engravings, gouaches, sketches, lithographs, and stained-glass windows of Russian-born Jewish artist, Marc Chagall. Located at Ave du Docteur Ménard. The museum is closed every Tuesday. Prieuré du Vieux Logis This museum is actually a model of a rural Dominican priory. Located at 59 ave Saint Barthélémy. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and the first Sunday of each month. L'Eglise Russe Built in 1912, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice looks as if it could actually be found in Russia. The ornate interior and exterior reminds one of Saint Basel's in Moscow. Located at boulevard Tzarewitch. Opening and closing times vary with the month, so check before you go to make sure it is open. Parks Botanical Garden Filled with Mediterranean and tropical plants, the garden is beautiful every month of the year. Located near Sainte-Maguerite, north of the airport. Closed on Monday. Parc du Chatea This park boasts a waterfall, playground, picnic areas, a café, and souvenir stand. Artists spotted throughout the park are often capturing the beautiful view of the city and sea below. Located at Colline de Chateau, between Vieux Nice and the port. Parc de Cimiez This amphitheater/park is centered among groves of olive trees. Located on Cimiez hill, near the Matisse museum. Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice A lovely park filled with flowers, an aviary, and butterflies. The huge greenhouse is the largest in Europe and houses tropical trees and plants as well as birds and butterflies. Located at 405 Promenade des Anglais. |