Description
Located at 65 Rue de France, just steps from the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna, the museum is housed in a grand 19th-century villa that is itself a listed historic monument. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Nice from the French Revolution through the Belle Époque era. Exhibits include period furniture, paintings, decorative arts, and personal items from the Masséna family, such as Joséphine Bonaparte’s tiara and Napoleon’s death mask. The villa’s interiors are richly decorated, and the surrounding gardens provide a tranquil setting for visitors.
The museum is open Monday, Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer season (May 2 – October 31), and from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the winter season (November 1 – April 30). It is closed on Tuesdays and on January 1, Easter Monday, and May 1. Admission is €10 for adults, with a €15 pass available that grants access to all municipal museums and galleries in Nice for 96 hours. Entry is free for children under 18, students, job seekers, teachers, and individuals with disabilities and their companions.
The museum is accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs, and the reception staff are trained to assist visitors with disabilities. It is easily reachable by public transport, with tram and bus stops nearby. For those planning to visit multiple museums in Nice, the French Riviera Pass offers free entry to the museum. Guided tours are available upon request and are best booked in advance, especially for groups.