Massena Art & History Museum (Musée Masséna)

The Basics

The Masséna family gave this villa to the city in 1917. Converted into a museum, it has 23 exhibition rooms filed with personal and historical artifacts and artworks through which visitors discover the history of the city and its roster of celebrated artists, writers, and musicians. A special highlight is the room dedicated to Napoleon and Josephine, where their love letters to one another rest alongside her cape and tiara and his death mask.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Massena Art and History Museum is suitable for history buffs and art lovers of all ages.

Admission to the villa is free.

Descriptions of artifacts and artwork are in French.

Guided tours (also in French) are Fridays at 3pm, for a small fee.

Plan enough time to relax under the Mediterranean sun in the mansion’s English-style gardens.

How to Get There

Massena Art and History Museum looks out to the Promenade des Anglais on Rue de France, one street inland from the beachfront avenue, the Prom. Many buses arrive nearby: Take No. 8 or 11 to the Congres-Promenade stop, No. 9 or 10 to the Rivoli stop, or No. 7 to Dante-Gambetta. Look for the pink turrets of Hotel Negresco across the street.

Trip ideas

How to Spend 2 Days in Nice

How to Spend 3 Days in Nice

With its beaches and promenades, elegant restaurants and art museums, Nice offers plenty of tempting, sun-drenched attractions. The capital of the Côte d’Azur is also a perfectly situated jumping-off point for further Riviera explorations.

St-Tropez Day Trips from Nice

Food Lover's Guide to Provence

Provençal cuisine highlights the bounty of France’s Mediterranean coast. Dishes are made with local herbs and seafood, and are often from traditional recipes passed down through the generations. Here are a few of the flavors and activities to seek out.

How to Spend 1 Day in Nice

French Riviera Day Trips from Nice

With medieval villages, sweeping coastal scenery, fertile vineyards, bustling food markets, and sun-soaked beaches, the French Riviera is the jewel in southern France’s crown. Here are a few ways to explore the Cote d’Azur, using Nice as a base.

Monaco Tours from Nice

Cross the Street to Hotel Negresco

Walk across the street to this hotel and enjoy its quirky mix of luxury and kitsch glamour. Have a cocktail at the clubby bar and wander the old mansion to admire the cupola by Gustave Eiffel, a Niki de Saint Phalle pop-art sculpture of a giant woman with a tiny head that spins, a gigantic Baccarat crystal chandelier, and an enormous portrait of Louis XIV showing off his legs.