Matisse in France: from north to south
Written by Thomas Dowson
France has to be the best European destinations for Matisse fans. Not only was this very famous and popular artist born in France, but not surprisingly there are a few out-of-the-way museums that have great collections of his art. So, if ‘seeing Matisse’ features in your Europe trip planning considerations, here are two museums you could think about visiting.
Henri Matisse was born in the northern town of Cateau-Cambrésis, in the region known as Nord-Pas-de-Calais. In November 1952 Matisse himself established the Matisse Museum by a donating to the Department a significant number of his works. He also set out the way in which his art should be displayed. Today, the Matisse Museum is located in the Fénelon Palace (below), and has the third largest collection of the artist’s works in France.
Musée Matisse in the Fénelon Palace, Cateau-Cambrésis
This northern museum is within easy reach of Paris by road and rail – and the museum even offers a discount on the entrance fee to visitors on presentation of their rail ticket. Besides a permanent exhibition, the museum also arranges temporary exhibitions. Until the end of May 2010, there is an exhibition that focusses on Lydia Delectorskaya, Matisse’s muse, sometime model and secretary.
One of the galleries in the Musée Matisse, Cateau-Cambrésis
From the north to the south of France, and located on the outskirts of Nice is another Matisse Museum. Henri Matisse lived in the city of Nice from 1918 until his death in 1954. Matisse started the ball rolling by donating a few of his works to the city of Nice in 1953. Further works were donated to the city’s growing collection by his wife and heirs. In 1963 the Matisse Museum opened its doors to the public in an Italian style villa.
Originally the Matisse Museum shared the very stylish building with the archaeology museum. Then, at the end of the 1980s, the archaeology museum was relocated to a Gallo-Roman site right next to the villa; the Matisse Museum was modernised and had some substantial additions by other donors including the French state.
So whether you are visiting the south of France, or passing through the north of France, there is a Matisse Museum within easy reach.
La Villa des Arenes, Musée Matisse, Nice
Great tips, Thomas. I’ve been dying to go to the Matisse museum in Nice, but I didn’t even know about the one in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. If I’m ever passing through, I will make a visit. Thanks!
I was just wondering if he ever made it to the South of France, lots of artists resided in Collioure for a while including Picasso. Mostly because of the clarity of the light down here and the amazing colours you get along the Mediterranean coastline.
I hope you make it to both Museums sometime soon Kimberly! Brian, as I say in the post, Matisse live in Nice from 1918 until his death in 1954. I do not know, however, why he chose Nice.
Nice post, thank you!
James Morgan’s “Chasing Matisse: A Year in France Living My Dream” http://www.chasingmatisse.com/ is a wonderful book for people who love Matisse (and France) to know about.
Thank you for the tip Janet! I will definitely be adding that book to my summer’s reading list.