Museum of Asian Art

Musée des arts asiatiques de Nice
  1. Home
  2.  › 
  3. France
  4.  › 
  5. Nice
The Museum of Asian Art is located opposite the airport in Nice on the Promenade des Anglais. It was opened in 1987 and is located on an artificial lake in the 7-hectare Phoenix theme park. It is one of the most acclaimed museums in Nice and definitely worth a visit for its unique architecture and exceptional exhibits.

The well-known Japanese architect Kenzo Tange planned the building, which is completely clad in white marble inside and out, according to the aspects of Asian philosophy. For example, the many circles and squares symbolize heaven and earth and are reminiscent of a Tibetan mandala. The gold-colored figures of deer and stag, on the other hand, represent the first sermon of Buddha. The architect said about the modern complex he created "This museum is a swan floating on the waters of a calm lake surrounded by lush vegetation on the Mediterranean coast ...".

The four eye-catching cubes are each dedicated to an Asian civilization: the Japanese, the Chinese, the Indian and the Cambodian. One first enters the bright, light-filled museum hall with its glass facades and cantilevered spiral staircase of glass and steel leading to the upper floor. The contrast with the windowless exhibition rooms in the pavilions could not be greater.
Visitors to the museum reach the tea pavilion via walkways, where traditional tea ceremonies are regularly celebrated.

The Museum of Asian Art grew out of private and public collections and exhibits classical as well as modern and contemporary works. Tours of the rooms can be taken individually with audio guides or in the form of group tours.
Temporary exhibitions and various courses and workshops are also held regularly. Programs organized by the museum include ikebana, origami and calligraphy, as well as tai chi, qi gong and Asian dance. They are aimed at children and adults alike and generally require advance reservations.