The main collection displayed in the Museum of Asian Arts in Nice essentially consists of artwork given or lent by the musée des Arts Asiatiques Guimet (Guimet Museum of Asian Arts), the musée de L’Homme (Museum of Man), the musée des Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts), the musée de la Mode et du Textile (Museum of Fashion and Textiles) – all in Paris, and the National Contemporary Art Foundation (FNAC).

The exhibits shown in this museum bring together artistic genres that are normally scattered through various museums: history, ethnography, decorative arts and contemporary art. The somewhat 200 pieces on display are typical of Asian cultures: bronze artwork from China, sandstone sculptures from India and Cambodia, ceramics from Japan.

Architecture
This recent museum was built between 1990 and 1994 within the premises of the Phoenix Park by the architect Kenzo Tange. The building consisting of four squares and a circle is reminiscent of a Tibetan mandala (a geometric figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism). It seems to be floating on the water of the small artificial lake in the park. The four cubes are respectively dedicated to the Chinese, Japanese, Cambodian or Indian civilisation.

The combination of solid marble units and transparent glass partitions gives a specific look to the building. The white marble is evocative of sturdiness, while the glass appears to be fragile and gives an impression of lightness. These volumes are clearly separated by linear openings, as if the architecture was ignoring the laws of gravity.

The Asian Arts Museum is open every day except on Tuesday, and closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.
- From 2nd may to 15th October: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- From 16th October to 30th April: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tariffs:
Free access
Fixed rate guided tour for under 10 visitors: 20 €
Groups from 10 onwards: 2 € pp
Prior booking by telephone on +33 (0)4 92 29 37 00 for all event and guided visit