Villa Masséna Musée

"This museum is housed in a beautiful villa named after André Masséna and built in 1898 by his grandson Victor Masséna. It was inspired by the Italian neoclassic style and by the Empire style as a sort of tribute to Napoleon, since the family owed the titles and high social standing to him. Napoleon gave away noble titles to his friends as freely as one may pass around popcorn on a movie night. In 1919, Victor Masséna's son (also named André) sold the villa to the city of Nice on the condition that it be turned into a museum. And so, the Mussée Masséna has existed as such since 1921. Given this family's history, you can expect to find a lot about Napoleon and his time in this museum. We have access to two floors. The first is the villa itself, which still has its rooms in a largely unaltered state. They are stunning beyond belief! Leaving the first floor, we head to a beautiful staircase with stunning murals on each side showing the family that lived here and some of their friends. The names of the individuals depicted in the paintings are visible underneath. The murals are so vibrant and alive that it seems as though the figures they depict may wave or welcome us at any time. The second floor is more focused on the museum's collection, which includes many priceless treasures from Napoleon's time and beyond. It primarily focuses on French history, as would be expected. However, because Nice was once a part of Italy, there are also a few significant artifacts connected to Italian history, particularly those related to Garibaldi, which you should see if you're also interested in his life. The bust of Napoleon's sister Paulina and the death mask of Napoleon are two highlights of the museum's collection. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Tuesdays. Tickets are 10 euros, but you can also purchase a 15-euro pass that allows you to visit most of Nice's museums for 48 hours. It’s worth considering if you're planning to visit more than one museum. Entrance is free if you’re under 18 years old. "

"The Masséna museum, an architectural jewel of the Promenade des Anglais, evokes, through its collections, the art and history of the riviera from the annexation of Nice to France until the end of the Belle Epoque. All of the works evoke this theme through a scenography which combines graphic arts, furniture and objects from this period and more particularly history. Among other things presented are Napoleon's death mask made by Doctor Arnolt, Joséphine's tiara in mother-of-pearl, gold, pearls and colored stones offered by Murat to the Empress and the book written by Prefect Liegeard. The visitor will be able to meet the landscape painters of the 19th century and more particularly Joseph Fricero, Antoine Trachel or Alexis Mossa… It should be noted that the ground floor of the Villa is in itself a work of art thanks to its sumptuous interior decor created by the architects Hans-Georg Tersling and Aaron Messiah, and the furniture and works of art from the 1st Empire which adorn the salons. Villa Masséna was built on the Promenade des Anglais between 1898 and 1901 by the Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling (1857-1920), one of the best architects on the Côte d'Azur during the Belle Epoque. The chosen style is neo-classical with a strong Italianate imprint. Prince Victor d'Essling (1836-1910), grandson of André Masséna from Nice, made it his winter residence. His son, André, heir to the estate upon the death of his father, donated it to the City of Nice in 1919, and the Masséna museum was inaugurated in 1921. A vast renovation campaign, carried out by the city of Nice between 1999 and 2008, made it possible to restore the Belle-Epoque villa, its interior decorations, and to promote its historical and artistic collections. The museum benefits from a historic garden designed according to the design of a revolutionary landscape architect at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, namely, Édouard André overlooking the Promenade des Anglais and adjoining the famous Negresco hotel."

"Step into the stylish fusion of history and modern allure at Villa Masséna Musée in Nice, France. This museum is not just a showcase; it's a curated experience that transcends time. Wander through rooms adorned with elegant furniture and captivating artifacts, immersing yourself in the 19th-century charm of Nice. Villa Masséna Musée invites you on a journey through the city's evolution. Whether you're captivated by historical tales or drawn to the artistic finesse of the Belle Époque, this museum promises an enchanting exploration that transcends generations. Discover the allure of Villa Masséna Musée – where the past meets the present in a timeless embrace."