Today’s guest blog is from Erick Sabelskjold, the Managing Director of a Nice-based fine art agency, Sabelskjold Art Agency. I would like to thank and acknowledge Erick’s input in writing this blog article and sharing some of his favorite places to enjoy art in Nice and the surrounds. Enjoy!
Art in Nice and surrounds
I have the fantastic fortune to live in Nice, France, the heart of the French Riviera. Every day here feels like you are transported to years gone by when Sophia Loren would grace the promenade with her beauty and elegance. Nice is a magical city filled with excitement, beauty and romance.
There is so much more to Nice then the nightlife, trendy cafes, and incredible cuisine.
For those of you that have visited Nice before you know the city is bathed in stunning captivating art. This art in not just in galleries, the city itself is a work of art. From Promenade des Anglais to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, there are new discoveries waiting around every turn. It is difficult to narrow down the best places to see art in Nice so I will go with my personal favorites.
My favorite part of Nice hands down is Old Town. The walking streets of Old Town (Vieux Nice) slows the pace of the city and as you make your way through the butchers and leather makers that have been here for generations you become captivated by the character and beauty of the city.
The streets of Old Town are lined with talented, passionate painters and sculptors. There are several art tours available in Nice but believe me discovering these hidden gems is much more exciting on your own. Rue Droite is an excellent place to start your adventure through old town walking streets. Here, you will find many internationally collected artists.
One of the most interesting Old Town locations to see art in Nice is Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. The captivating murals painted inside the church are just the beginning. The church also has 3 organs and an altar with the remains of the martyred St Reparata. The story of St Reparata found within the church is fascinating; and then to see the altar of her remains in such a picturesque church is moving.
No trip to Old Town Nice would be complete without a breathtaking view from Tower Bellanda. You can either take the stairs to the the top of the tower or pay a small fee for the elevator. Looking out over the turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea, you can understand why for centuries artists have been inspired and motivated to create art in Nice.
There is no shortage of Museums in the city of Nice and surrounding areas, from public to private and even the homes of famous artists that lived in the area. At the top of my museum list is the Picasso Museum in Antibes, just a short train ride away. The museum is set in an old castle fort right on the sea with views looking out over the yacht marina to the snow capped Alps.
The museum houses an amazing collection of Picasso’s work while he lived in Antibes including paintings, sculptures and intimate photos of him working in his studio. There are also several other famous artists in the Museum like Nicolas de Stael. The museum has a patio that looks directly over the sea with interesting sculptures.
You don’t have to be an art aficionado to enjoy all the art that Nice has to offer. Awe-inspiring art surrounds you everywhere you go in this beautiful city. From the cafe lined streets, to the museums and art studios, there is art in Nice for everyone to be moved and fascinated by. In the heart of the French Riviera, I know you will find something beautiful that will touch your soul.
Sabelskjold Art Agency, located in Nice and South Florida, specializes in art collecting experiences and helping clients create the perfect custom piece of art for their space. We also partner with interior designers sourcing the perfect piece of art to complete their project. Sabelskjold Art Agency is client forward focused and provides unmatched client experiences and services.