The Musée national Marc Chagall stands at 36 Avenue Docteur Ménard on the Cimiez hill in Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It was built to house the Biblical Message, a cycle of seventeen large paintings that Marc Chagall donated to the French state, and the museum opened in 1973 while the artist was still alive. The paintings illustrate stories from Genesis, Exodus and the Song of Songs, in saturated blues, reds and yellows, and they are arranged in two main rooms so that visitors can view them in sequence. Beyond the paintings, the museum includes sketches, gouaches, sculptures and lithographs related to the cycle. A separate hall holds a large stained-glass window of the Creation, set above a pool of water that reflects the colours onto the walls, and a mosaic by Chagall decorates the pond outside in the garden. The building is modest in size and modern in style, with a garden and café that make a calm stop. A typical visit lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. The stained-glass hall is brightest on sunny days, and the museum is quietest on weekday mornings after opening. It is busiest around midday when tour groups and school visits arrive. Visitors can expect an adult ticket at EUR 10, rising to EUR 12 during temporary exhibitions, with free entry under 18 and on the first Sunday of each month. Hours include a midday break in the high season, and listings disagree on the closing day, so the official museum website should be checked before travelling. The site is a short bus ride or about 20 minutes' uphill walk from Nice-Ville station, and it pairs naturally with the Musée Matisse and Roman ruins further up the hill in Cimiez.
| Admission | Adult EUR 10 (~$11.50); EUR 12 (~$13.80) during temporary exhibitions · Child Free under 18; reduced EUR 8 (~$9.20); free on the first Sunday of each month |
|---|---|
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Mornings after opening; the stained-glass hall is brightest on sunny days |
| Getting there | Lignes d'Azur bus to the Musée Chagall stop (use the Lignes d'Azur app); about 20 minutes on foot uphill from Nice-Ville station |
| Address | 36 Avenue Docteur Ménard (corner of Boulevard de Cimiez), 06000 Nice, France |
Location
36 Avenue Docteur Ménard (corner of Boulevard de Cimiez), 06000 Nice, France
43.7088, 7.2697 View on map
Highlights
- Biblical Message cycle of seventeen large paintings
- Stained-glass window of the Creation reflected in a pool
- Chagall mosaic in the garden pond
- Sketches, gouaches and lithographs related to the cycle
- Peaceful garden and café
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning, when the stained-glass hall is bright on sunny days.
- Use the free first Sunday of the month, but expect larger crowds.
- Check the closing day and midday break on the official site before travelling.
- Pair with the Musée Matisse and the Roman ruins on the same Cimiez trip.
- Allow time to sit in the garden and look at the mosaic.
When to visit
Mornings after opening are quiet, and sunny days make the stained glass brightest. Midday is busier.
Accessibility
The museum is modern and largely on one level, so it is generally suitable for wheelchair users, but assistance should be confirmed by phone. The approach from Nice-Ville is uphill.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours, including the stained-glass hall and the garden.
What is the Biblical Message?
It is a series of seventeen large paintings by Marc Chagall illustrating Old Testament stories, donated to France and shown in the museum.
Is it free for children?
Yes, entry is free for visitors under 18, and a reduced EUR 8 rate applies to eligible adults.
Is photography allowed?
Photography rules vary, and flash is not allowed, so visitors should check the signs at entry.