Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain

This marble cube perched in Vieux-Nice holds one of Europe's strongest collections of 1960s Pop Art and New Realism. You'll find major pieces by Yves Klein (including his signature ultramarine blue works), Andy Warhol's screen prints, Niki de Saint Phalle's colorful sculptures, and Roy Lichtenstein's comic book style paintings. The four floors move chronologically through movements that defined contemporary art, with particularly strong French representation alongside American Pop masters.

The museum feels refreshingly spacious compared to Nice's cramped historic galleries. Natural light floods the white-walled rooms through floor to ceiling windows, and the layout flows logically without the maze-like confusion of larger institutions. Each floor focuses on different movements, so you can easily spend time with what interests you most. The rooftop terrace delivers spectacular 360-degree views over the Baie des Anges and Nice's terracotta rooftops.

Entry costs €10, but honestly, many visitors come primarily for the free rooftop access via the external elevator. The collection, while excellent, isn't huge, so two hours covers everything comfortably. Skip the ground floor temporary exhibitions unless they specifically interest you, and head straight to floors two and three for the permanent highlights. The museum shop overcharges for basic postcards at €2 each.