The Musée Masséna is a historic museum located directly on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, housed inside an elegant 19th-century Italianate villa surrounded by landscaped gardens. The building once belonged to the family of Marshal André Masséna, one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s most famous generals and a native of Nice.

Today, the museum presents the history of Nice and the French Riviera from the Napoleonic era to the early 20th century. Inside, richly decorated rooms furnished in First Empire style evoke the elegance of the period.

Among the highlights of the collection are Napoleon’s coronation robe and death mask, along with paintings, historical documents, and religious artworks connected to the region. Visitors can also see white-glazed Niçois faïence pottery and a bust of Marshal Masséna sculpted by the famous artist Antonio Canova.

Completely renovated in 2008, the museum provides a fascinating look at the transformation of Nice from a small Mediterranean town into a fashionable Riviera resort.

👉 Local tip: The garden behind the villa is a quiet place to rest just steps from the busy Promenade des Anglais and offers beautiful views toward the sea.