Marc Chagall National Museum (Musée National Marc Chagall)
The Basics
A must for Chagall fans, this museum offers a deep dive into the spiritual foundation for Chagall’s work, with a focus on “The Bible Illustrations” series, inspired by the Old Testament books of Genesis, Exodus, and Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon). See a mosaic of Elijah in his fiery chariot, surrounded by signs of the zodiac, in the antechamber. Viewed through a plate-glass window, this work reflects onto a small pond.
Sightseeing and art tours in Nice often include a stop at the Marc Chagall National Museum. Guided tours usually include transportation, admission, and historic commentary. The Nice hop-on hop-off bus stops at the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Marc Chagall National Museum is suitable for travelers and art lovers of all ages.
There is an admission to enter; tours that include the museum may include admission.
The museum is wheelchair-friendly; admission is free for disabled persons.
Adult audio guides come in multiple languages including French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.
The on-site shop has a range of books on Chagall and other modern artists alongside reproductions and souvenirs such as jewellery, scarves, and T-shirts.
How to Get There
The museum is along Avenue Dr Ménard in the center of Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the south of France. It is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. Catch bus No. 15 or 22, which climbs the hills of the Cimiez neighborhood to stop in front of the museum.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Marc Chagall National Museum is open daily, except Tuesdays. With a mild Mediterranean climate, Nice is a lovely place to visit any time of the year. Come in spring and autumn to avoid crowds and the heat of summer; hotel rooms are also cheaper during these shoulder seasons.
Chagall’s Final Resting Place
Close to Nice is the ancient Provençal village of St. Paul de Vence, where Marc Chagall is laid to rest. Made famous by Peter Mayle’s romantic memoire,A Year in Provence, the fairy-tale village is a French Riviera time capsule where gardens are meticulously manicured, old men pass the day playing pétanque, and the timeless views of the hills and sea never go out of style.
- Place Garibaldi
- Massena Square (Place Masséna)
- Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse)
- Hotel Negresco
- Cimiez Monastery (Monastere de Cimiez)
- St. Nicholas Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas)
- Molinard Perfumery (Maison Molinard)
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
- Cours Saleya Flower Market (Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya)
- Quai des États-Unis
- Massena Art & History Museum (Musée Masséna)
- Quai Lunel
- Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice)
- Mt. Boron (Mont Boron)
- Cote d’Azur Observatory (Observatoire de la Cote d’Azur)