Are you visiting the Côte d’Azur capital? Discover a rather original cultural venue: choose to visit the International Museum of art naïf Anatole Jakovsky. From the 18th century to the present day, immerse yourself in the naïve movement through paintings, sculptures, drawings and posters.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the International Museum of art naïf in Nice on the Côte d’Azur.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Nice’s International Museum of art naïf worthwhile?
Yes, the International Museum of art naïf Anatole Jakovsky in Nice is well worth a visit.
We were curious to discover naive art. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022, the museum showcases virtual and authentic art from the 18th century to the present day, a non-academic but internationally recognized artistic style. In the Château Sainte Hélène, the former home of perfumer François Coty, surrounded by a lovely green park, we embarked on a journey into the imaginations of these artists.
In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Nice.
What you can see
Renée and Anatole Jakovsky at the origin
Influential figures in the art world, Anatole and Renée Jakovsky have generously donated over 600 works to the city of Nice, enriching the museum’s collections. Over the years, new pieces have been added thanks to major donations and acquisitions, particularly in the fields of Art Singulier and Art Brut. The Musée National d’Art Moderne – Centre Georges Pompidou has also made a significant deposit of works, contributing to the ongoing enrichment of the collection.
The variety of works inside
Inaugurated in 1982, this atypical venue and its varied works of art encourage us to reflect. The museum showcases works by renowned artists such as Bauchant, Séraphine, Rimbert, Lefranc, O’Brady, Haddelsey, Ligabue, Vivancos and the famous Douanier Rousseau. Painting, sculpture, drawings, posters… These creations take us on an imaginary journey deep into each artist’s inner vision.
The architecture of Château Sainte Hélène
The museum is housed in the Château Sainte-Hélène, a 19th-century building with several owners, in the Fabron hill district to the west of Nice. In 1912, perfumer François Coty bought the estate. The château was sold to the City of Nice in the early 1970s. The building is original, although some work was carried out during the 20th century. In fact, the 2nd floor, which you can see from the garden and visit inside when exhibits are on display, was only added a century after the château was originally built.
The garden and its outdoor characters
The Domaine Sainte Hélène, on which the château housing the museum was built, originally covered an area of 100 hectares. As you stroll through this delightful botanical garden, you’ll see a number of sculptures created by French artist-sculptor Frédéric Lanovsky.
International Museum of art naïf in Nice: how to get there
Where to find the International Museum Anatole Jakovsky
- In Nice
- From Nice-City station = 1h on foot, 30min by streetcar and 10min by car
- In the Fabron district to the west of Nice
Access by car and parking
You can reach the museum by car, and free private parking is available on the estate.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
- By bus: line 34, Deux-Cyprès stop
- By streetcar: line 2, Fabron stop, then walk about 10 minutes (pass under the Pierre Mathis expressway bridge).
Access on organized tours
The International Museum of art naïf de Nice is one of the must-see places in Nice. It is one of the few museums in France devoted to Art Brut, like the one in Paris (see here). You can choose to go there on your own or include it in a guided tour like the Hop-on Hop-off Nice Le Grand Tour Bus – book your ticket.
Visiting difficulties
The parking lot and garden are accessible to people with reduced mobility. There are a few steps into the building, but a ramp and elevator also provide access to the building and the upper floor.
There are no particular difficulties during the visit.
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Tips for visiting the International Museum of art naïf
Schedules and prices
The museum is open:
- Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Closed every Tuesday, January 1st, Easter, May 1st, December 25th
Price list:
- Full price: €8
- Group (10 people or more): €6.50 per person
- Free: under 18s, students, PRMs, jobseekers, RSA recipients
See the latest news on the official website here.
Finally, we strongly advise you to opt for the 3-day Museums Pass available on the official City of Nice website here. You’ll have access to all of Nice’s municipal museums for 72 hours, including this one.
How long
Allow 1h to 1h30 maximum to visit the botanical gardens and the interior of the museum.
Best moment
To avoid the crowds at weekends, we recommend that you plan your visit for the weekday morning opening. It’s one of Nice’s must-visit sites, and while there are likely to be tourists during the summer months, the Côte d’Azur is a popular destination all year round. So there will always be visitors.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for your visit, but we recommend that if the weather is fine, you start by exploring the botanical garden and its wonders! Then immerse yourself in the world of art brut in its purest form, continuing on to the 2nd floor if it’s open to visitors (depending on the exhibition) and finishing on the first floor.
Visiting with children
It’s a fun museum to visit with your children. The works are varied and highly colorful, and the venue caters for all audiences.
The estate’s botanical garden is also a soothing and pleasant place to stroll with younger children.
Eating out
There is no food court within the museum. You can sit down on the few benches set up in the garden for a snack, while remaining respectful of the site as works of art are on display.
As you’re close to the city center, discover our selection of the best restaurants in Nice.
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Nice. Here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN Nice
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront, with sea view:
Anantara Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
In the new town, close to the sea:
Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – See prices, photos and availability
In the old town, with all the charm:
AparthotelAMMI Vieux Nice very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
Our articles are coming!
- Most beautiful cities in Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful beaches of Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful villages of Provence (to come)
- Most beautiful destinations in Provence (coming soon)
