Musée international d'art naïf Anatole Jakovsky, Naive art museum in château Sainte Hélène, Nice, France
The Musée international d'art naïf Anatole Jakovsky occupies Château Sainte Hélène, a former perfumer's private residence in Nice, displaying over 600 artworks from more than 25 countries. The collection spans paintings, sculptures, and drawings by various artists across multiple rooms of the house.
Château Sainte Hélène was acquired by the city of Nice in 1973 after serving as a private home for many years. The transformation into an art museum occurred in 1982 when Anatole and Renée Jakovsky donated their collection to the institution.
The museum's name honors Anatole Jakovsky, the art critic who assembled this collection. His commitment to naive art shaped the selection of works displayed throughout the residence's rooms today.
The museum building features multiple stairs and varying floor levels, so comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through the rooms. It is worth allowing enough time to explore the different galleries and also the grounds surrounding the residence.
Large stone sculptures by Frédéric Lanovsky stand in the grounds of the residence, created specifically for this location. These outdoor works extend the artistic experience beyond the interior galleries.
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