Palais Lascaris Museum, Nice

Fine Baroque architecture and instrument museum

featured in Sights & sites

This grand noble residence dates to the early 17th century and was the property of the Lascaris-Vintimille family. It has an interesting collection of Baroque art and furniture.

Located in the heart of the city, this palace is the most remarkable monument of the Niçoise civil Baroque style, especially because of its grand staircase, decorated with frescoes, and its luxury rooms. It was built in 1648 century by one of the most important aristocratic families in Nice, the Lascaris-Vintimille. It was bought by the city of Nice in 1942 who developed it into a museum of popular art and musical instruments.

It is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture, with a grand façade containing white marble balconies. The late 17th-century mural paintings depict mythological stories, and there are also Flemish tapestries, paintings, drawings, sculptures and furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection of music instruments is the second in France and one of the most important in Europe.

Visitor comments

"A fascinating old building. Deep in the heart of old Nice. It's hard to imagine that back in Roman times Rue Droite was the main street in the old town. The Palais itself is steeped in history and there is much to see and admire." - Trip Advisor
"Just visited Palais Lascaris on the off chance. It is situated behind the port in the back streets, not where you expect to find a Palace. But this Palace is a must, full of history and worth the Euros 10 entrance fee. (Once you purchase the ticket it is valid in all of the Museums of Nice), so good value for money." - Trip Advisor
"Palace Lascaris is a bit of a hidden gem. It is superbly decorated building containing various collections and the musical instruments are particularly fine. I have never seen so many harpsichords under one roof! The Palais also holds regular art exhibitions. Matisse was in show this year. Well worth a visit... and so easy to overlook!" - Trip Advisor

When to come

Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 except Tuesdays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th.

How to get passes

Tickets grant admission to all municipal museums and galleries, including the Fine Arts Museum, the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum and the Matisse Museum:

10€ for 48hr admission
20€ for 7 day admission
Groups of 10 people and more, 8€ for 48hr access. Free entrance to children under 18, students, unemployed persons, disabled persons, war veterans, museum curators and journalists.

Guided visits cost 6€ and there is a special price for groups over 16 people.