The Matisse Museum is a completely renovated 17th century villa, lying in the heart of the olive grove in the Gardens of Cimiez. When you visit the museum you’re just moments away from the Franciscan monastery with its Italianate gardens, the Hotel Regina where Henri Matisse lived, and the Gallo Roman ruins.

Opened on the 5th of January 1963, the Museum has been welcoming visitors to see its collections. Works from all the periods of Matisses’s life from the 1st paintings in 1890 to the famous gouache cutouts, 236 drawings, 218 engravings and the complete presentation of the books illustrated by the artist are on show here.

There is a gift shop located on the lower level, away from any of his work, so it does not detract from the atmosphere.

The museum is open every day except Tuesdays – hours are 10am to 6pm. From central Nice, it is a 20- to 30-minute walk, but it is mostly uphill. Taking the bus is an easy option.