Top Museums in Cannes

Musée de la Mer

The Musée de la Mer is located on Sainte-Marguerite Island's Port-Royal (about one kilometer from Cannes). This unique museum is dedicated to the treasures of the sea. You'll find remnants of cargo from ships dating back to the Roman times. Among the buildings in this fortress is the prison which held many prisoners, such as the Man in the Iron Mask.

Musée de la Castre

Opened in 1952, Musée de la Castre truly strives to promote art. Its collections reflect the interests of 19th-century Musée de la Castre, ethnographers, antiques enthusiasts and art lovers. You'll find an impressive collection of Mediterranean artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria and Cyprus. Indigenous art from Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas is another area of focus. The collection of 19th-century Cannes landscapes is also worth a look. The 12th-century Sainte-Anne chapel houses a superb collection of musical instruments from all over the world. Climb the medieval tower for a panoramic view of Cannes and its bay.

Hurtebize et Cie

This is an exceptional art gallery that specializes in paintings from the Flemish and Dutch schools. These works are all in excellent condition or well-restored. Let your imagination wander in front of a rich still life or one of the everyday scenes (a village fair, an inn), a painting of sheep by Balthasar Paul Ommeganck (1755-1826), a church nave by Paulus Vredeman de Vries (1527-1604). It's not unusual to find works by great names. A collector for about 20 years, Dominique Hurtebize has chosen to share his passion with others. This gallery is located in the heart of the Gray d'Albion shopping center between Rue d'Antibes and the Croisette promenade.

Musée-chapelle Bellini

Count Vitali constructed this chapel in Florentine-baroque in 1880. It originally belonged to Princess Kara-Georgevich of Serbia, but later it became the studio of painter Emmanuel Bellini. His daughter Lucette, also a painter, continues to show visitors around the chapel, which contains several canvasses painted in contemporary figurative style by this self-taught, locally known artist.

Île Ste-Marguerite

The largest of the three Lérin islands, is a 15-minute boat ride from Cannes. In ancient times it was called Léro. Numerous boat companies make the crossing from the old port. Also inhabiting this island is a 17th-century fort, which houses the Maritime Museum. This fort was once a prison, and was the home to the unidentified character, known as the man in the iron mask.

Galerie de Cannes

For the past 20 years, this beautiful art gallery has truly worked to promote contemporary art. It has a fine collection of both modern and classical paintings and sculptures. Take some time off to check out this gallery, which is located on Rue d'Antibes. Figurative art, still life, Provençale landscapes, nudes and lots more is what you'll find here.

Galerie du Carlton

Do stop by at Gallery du Carlton, which is located at The Carlton Hotel or you'll regret it. It displays a fine collection of paintings, sculptures as well as glassware. The works of greats, such as Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Utrillo and Vlaminck is what you'll find here. The gallery is interested in purchasing as well as selling artwork.

Malmaison

Originally a part of the the Grand Hôtel, Malmaison, open in 1993, today holds temporary art exhibitions. Located at the center of La Croisette, it is Cannes' newest museum. The Cannes Directorate of Cultural Affairs is located on the first floor of the building. The exhibitions, which promote modern and contemporary art, are held in the beautiful gardens and are worth checking out.