Nice offers a variety of museums to explore while you’re discovering the city. Whether you’re interested in learning more about its history and culture, or you have a passion for art, there’s a museum for everyone. If you’re looking for something more artistic, head to the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre, dedicated to the work of one of the pioneers of photography.
Who is Charles Nègre?
Born in Grasse, France, in 1820, Charles Nègre was a trailblazer in the world of photography. He worked alongside prominent painters such as Paul Delaroche, who encouraged him to focus more on photography than painting. This guidance eventually led Nègre to become one of the founding members of the world’s first photography society.
Nègre’s technical and artistic skills were highly regarded by influential figures, including the Duke of Luynes, who commissioned Nègre to document his travels in 1864.
In the final 15 years of his life, Nègre settled in the South of France, where he taught high school drawing and ran a commercial photography studio in Nice.
About the Gallery
Located in Nice’s Old Town, the Musée de la Photographie occupies a former electrical plant, giving it an industrial charm. The building retains its metal architecture and an old crane, adding to its unique character.
The museum hosts seven different exhibitions each year, showcasing the works of some of the biggest names in photography. The adjoining gallery focuses on regional photographers and is included with the museum’s admission fee. Additionally, there’s a documentation area with over 4,000 books on photography, perfect for professionals or anyone who enjoys exploring the medium.
In 2018, the museum was awarded the Qualité Tourisme label, which recognizes tourism professionals for their high standards of service and hospitality.
Events
Two major cultural events in Nice provide excellent opportunities to visit the Museum of Photography.
- European Heritage Days (usually in September) offer free access to a wide variety of cultural and historical sites, including those that are typically closed to the public. It’s a wonderful chance to explore the city’s heritage.
- European Night of Museums takes place in May, with over 3,000 museums across Europe participating. On this special night, many museums in Nice stay open late, offering free entry, though some events may charge an entrance fee.
Current Exhibit
From October 19th, 2024, to March 16th, 2025, the museum features an exhibit dedicated to Vivian Maier, a renowned American photographer. I personally enjoyed this exhibit and found it to be an insightful exploration of photography.
Maier spent much of her life between New York and France, capturing candid moments on the streets and in the places she visited. Her work went largely unnoticed until, after her death, her extensive collection of photographs was discovered by chance.
The exhibit showcases over 140 of Maier’s photographs and videos. As you wander through, you’ll encounter a diverse range of subjects that inspired her. While the museum is not very large, it effectively conveys the essence of Maier’s work and her unique perspective.
Useful Information
If you’re planning to visit the Musée de la Photographie, here’s the essential information you’ll need:
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed on Mondays.
- Location: The museum is centrally located in the Cours Saleya area of Old Town Nice.
- Entrance fee: €5, which typically includes access to the adjoining gallery, depending on the current exhibit.
If you love museums and galleries, you may want to consider purchasing the 4-day all-museum pass for just €15. This pass allows you to visit all of Nice’s municipal museums, including the Masséna Museum and the Matisse Museum. The pass can be purchased at any of the participating museums.