MAMAC Nice
Two white marble cubes on the Côte d'Azur
The cityscape of Nice enchants tourists time and again with its Belle Époque architecture. Stately villas line the large promenade, packed tightly together. But at the beginning of the 90s, something new emerged in the city, which initially caused some turmoil among the residents. Two large shiny white cubes were erected at Place Garibaldi. Windowless, to boot!
Renowned architects Henri Vidal and Yves Bayard came up with the idea for the modern structure in downtown Nice. They ordered white marble from Italy and had the outer facade covered with it. A sight that never ceases to amaze people. Only a plain glass gallery connects the two buildings today. Inside, you will now find one of the most famous art museums in the world: the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, or MAMAC for short.
Today, the museum has a collection of over 1,300 works. These include artists such as César Arman, Ernest Gilli, Niki de Saint-Phalle, Tom Wesselmann and Andy Warhol. The art collection is spread over a total area of around 4,500 m² and provides visitors with an in-depth insight into the art era of the 1960s and 1970s. In addition, interesting temporary exhibitions on current topics of this world take place.
Also because of this, the relationship of the citizens of Nice to the MAMAC and its building has changed significantly. They are enthusiastic and appreciate the great importance that the museum receives from all over the world. Those who spend their vacations on the Côte d'Azur and are also art enthusiasts do not miss the opportunity to visit MAMAC. Even guests from distant regions of France travel for day trips to marvel at the art in MAMAC.
American Pop Art and European Realists
The museum's permanent art collection and high-caliber temporary exhibitions regularly delight visitors. European realists, in particular, find high appeal. On display are famous exhibits by, among others: Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Christo, Gérard Deschamps, Daniel Spoerri and Yves Klein.
But contemporary art is not complete without the American Pop Art scene. That is why the most influential American Pop Art works are also exhibited at MAMAC. You can see the comics of Roy Lichtenstein or various works by Claes Oldenburg. Robert Indiana and Robert Rauschenberg. Of course, the silkscreens of Andy Warhol are not missing. Visitors will of course also find American minimalists such as Frank Stella.
Many may not be as familiar with the Italian influence of Arte Povera as they are with American Pop Art, yet the art exhibits of these artists are just as important to Modern Art of the 60s and 70s. On view are works by: Michelangelo Pistoletto and Enrica Borghi.
