The Traveller's Magazine
The newest exhibition at the Tate is attracting attention from all over the world. Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs at the Tate Modern is the first time Matisse’s cut-out works have been displayed together like this and after a trip to the exhibition, what better place to go than Nice, the city that inspired him so.
Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs only opened at the Tate a couple of weeks ago and since then, everyone’s been talking about it: on the tube, buses, blogs and on Twitter. They’re raving about the bright colours, the cool shapes, how effortless yet effective the work is and of course the chance to see world-famous works of art like his series of Blue Nudes.
As you’ll find out at the exhibition, Matisse spend around 37 years of his life living in Nice, in the south of France. To honour the artists’ legacy, there is a very good (and free) museum there. You don’t have to walk a mile before stumbling upon a Matisse sight or spot associated with him. There’s no better place to discover this iconic artist than Nice.
Matisse sightseeing in Nice
Rosary Chapel – Matisse finished designing the interior of this chapel, including the glass windows and decorations, in 1951. Address:
Matisse Museum in Le Cateau – In 1952, Matisse established a museum dedicated to his work, which today houses the third largest collection of his works in France.
Matisse’s studio – Located at 105 Quai des Etas-Unis.
Matisse’s first flat in Nice – From the Old Town, head across the Place Charles Félix to the gold-ochre townhouse at N°1. Up on the third floor is where Matisse first settled in this city, between 1921 and 1938.
Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez – Matisse’s final resting place is located in the cemetery of this monastery, just a short drive from Nice.
Matisse Museum – This 17th Genoese villa is really the height of the tour of Matisse sights in Nice. It’s a great way to experience the full range of his work from the 1890 painting Nature Morte Aux Livres to his later life works, of which many are on display at the Tate Modern. There’s also a lot of personal items, photographs and documents. Address: 164, av. des Arènes de Cimiez 06000 Nice.
Regina building – Across from the museum is the Regina building, which is where Matisse lived from 1938. Did you know Queen Victoria also stayed here, some 40 years before Matisse did? The crown is still visible on the west wing roof which indicates the Queen’s quarters and you can find a statue of her in the garden.
If you’re looking for a fabulous hotel in Nice, you might give the Beau Rivage Hotel a try on Rue St François de Paul. Henri Matisse stayed here on his first trip to Nice in 1917 on the recommendation of Nietzsche and Chekhov who stayed there previously.
- Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs is running at the Tate Modern until September 7th, 2014.
- Open: Sun-Thurs, 10an-6pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-10pm
- Admission: £18
