The lovely Nice is not only about the coastline and its turquoise sea, but there's so much more to see. Whether you want to take a break from the beach or you are visiting in winter, take a trip to the Chagall Museum to admire the work of French painter Marc Chagall nestled in the French Alpines.

Religious paintings

The museum is the largest public collection of Chagall's artwork and was opened in 1973 when the artist was still alive. Chagall was closely involved in the setting of the museum. He curated the exhibition himself and chose where each work should be placed. He also installed the big mosaic outside the building, as well as designed the stained glass for the concert hall and the layout of the gardens. The exhibition displays a series of 17 paintings that illustrate the first two chapters of the Bible, Genesis, and Exodus, and the Solomon's Song – a biblical meditation on sexual, spiritual and sensual love – displayed in its own hexagonal room. Overall, the whole museum has about 400 works of the artist. The building was designed by architect Andre Hermant, who took special attention on the flood of light, so visitors could embrace the beauty of the paintings of Chagall. Surrounding the museum is the Olive Tree Parc, ideal to take a stroll afterward.

About the painter

Born in Belarus and from Jewish origin, Chagall relocated to Paris in 1910 to explore the world of art. He is known for using colors in unexpected ways that make his paintings have this dream-like style – totally bewitching. He was considered a pioneer of Modernism, but he has been associated with many different artistic styles. One of his most known quotes speak of how he approached his creations from the heart: "If I create from the heart everything works; if from the head, almost nothing."

Getting there

The museum is just above Nice, on the Cimiez Hill in a calm beautiful green setting. From the center of Nice take an Uber or Taxi. Otherwise, bus number 15, leaving from behind the Galleries Lafayette, drops you really close by the Musée Chagall stop. Celebrated by Picasso There is a famous quote from Picasso in the 50s that says: "When Matisse dies, Chagall will be the only painter who understands what color really is." If Picasso said this, we don't need to say more. Stop by and be charmed by such impressive colorful work of art!