Exhibitions not to miss in Nice this autumn
Matisse meets Yves Saint Laurent, a Chagall treasure and a video-art biennale: the exhibitions to see in Nice this autumn, with the key dates.
September in Nice is museums' back-to-school season. Three shows stand out this year: two prestigious exhibitions closing soon — now or never — and an international video-art biennale in November.
Matisse × Yves Saint Laurent: until 28 September
The Musée Matisse hosts all summer « Le beau, la mode et le bonheur », a major exhibition co-produced with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris. A dialogue between two creators who reinvented the 20th century: clean lines, strong colors, painting meeting haute couture.
- Venue: Musée Matisse, 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice
- Dates: 17 June to 28 September 2026
- Official site: musee-matisse-nice.org
Local tip: combine the visit with the Arènes garden and the Cimiez monastery next door. Buses 15 and 33 climb there from the centre.
Chagall at work: until 21 September
At the Musée national Marc Chagall, « Chagall à l'œuvre » showcases an exceptional loan: 141 works donated by Bella and Meret Meyer, the artist's granddaughters, entering the national collections. A rare chance to see pieces long held in private collections.
- Venue: Musée national Marc Chagall, avenue du Docteur Ménard, Nice
- Dates: until 21 September 2026 (second part of the show)
- Official site: musees-nationaux-alpesmaritimes.fr
OVNi: the image-in-motion biennale, 13 to 29 November
After a decade as an annual event, the OVNi festival has become a biennale. From 13 to 29 November 2026, video and digital pieces invade various venues across Nice — galleries, heritage areas and public spaces. Often free and open late in lively districts, it's a great mid-season outing.
- Dates: 13 to 29 November 2026
- Format: a trail through venues, detailed on the official site
- Official site: ovni-festival.fr
How to plan your visit
Both big shows end in late September: if you are in Nice at the end of the month, now is the time. Cimiez and the centre are easy on foot, with the Matisse and Chagall museums two bus stops apart — the perfect cultural combo.
Check official opening hours before you go: national museums may close on Tuesdays or shift hours in late summer.
For a calm visit, the OVNi weekend in November is a smart choice: the city is quiet, events are spread out, and you can do walk + art without the crowds.
FAQ
How long should I plan for the Matisse Museum?
About 1h30 to 2h for the exhibition and walk-through, plus half an hour for the garden and the Arènes.
Are the exhibitions free?
Prices depend on the museums (municipal and national): check the official websites before visiting.
Can I do Matisse and Chagall in the same day?
Yes, the two museums are 5-10 minutes apart by bus/car in Cimiez.
