Modern Art Museums in Nice on the French Riviera
Matisse & Chagall, New Realist & Abstract Painters, American Pop Art
From Matisse to Chagall, from new realist and abstract painters to American pop art, the art museums in Nice never cease to surprise, regardless of personal taste. Visitors marvel at delicate cut-outs and paintings in the Matisse Museum, wander in search of spirituality in the Chagall Museum or empathize with the trappings of consumerism portrayed in the Modern and Contemporary Art venue.
Some are enraptured, others shocked but no one remains untouched by the colourful, often exuberant displays of 20th century art.
Matisse Museum in Nice, Provence
Matisse settled in Nice in 1917, charmed by the Mediterranean light which inspired much of his work. He loved the sea and the hills for their panoramic views across the Bay of Angels.
Open in 1963, the Matisse Museum is set in the 17th century Villa des Arènes. The collection claims 68 paintings and paper cut-outs, numerous drawings and engravings, silk screen prints and almost all of the artist’s sculptures. There are also ceramics, illustrated books, photographs and personal items.
Paintings include the Still Life with Pomegranates and Woman with Parasol, sculptures range from Faun’s Head to Nude Back while paper cut-outs claim the Bather in the Reeds and Creole Dancer. Also on view are preparatory studies for the Rosary Chapel in nearby Vence.
Art Museum in Nice on the French Riviera, Chagall Museum
Set in a fragrant Mediterranean garden, the Chagall Museum is a simple white building conceived by the artist and his architect to house the 17 panels of his most monumental work. The Biblical Message displays episodes from the Genesis and Exodus while the Song of Songs depicts five variations on the single theme of love.
Works don't adhere to chronological order, a conscious decision by Chagall who simply wished to emphasise significant biblical moments. Original sketches, stained glass windows and mosaics complete the picture.
The Chagall Museum also boasts non religious paintings but above all, it reflects the spirituality of this Jewish artist of Russian origin and his place in 20th century art.
New Realist and Abstract Painters, Pop Art, Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, Nice
The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, mamac for short, is devoted to new realist and abstract painters and pop art, ranging from comics to graffiti and slogans. American pop art features Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, abstract art Kenneth Noland and Frank Stella.
Equally popular are the Yves Klein’s galleries and rooms devoted to artists of the Nice School, such as Venet or Martinez..
The building is an impressive feat of modern architecture with marble towers rising to 30 metres connected by footbridges. The panoramic terrace sets the scene for the monumental sculptures of the Bathers and Lochness Monster.
Modern Art, Nice, French Riviera
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Modern Sculpture in Nice, Provence
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