Built in 1309 for Rainier Grimaldi and converted into an Italian-style residence in around 1620, Château Grimaldi was bought by Cagnes Council in 1937 and became the municipal museum in 1946.
Situated at the heart of the medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes, the château is home to the “Musée de l’olivier”, the Solidor donation (forty portraits of Suzy Solidor painted by famous artists such as Foujita, Lempicka, Laurencin, Picabia, etc.), an outstanding painted baroque ceiling and a number of contemporary art exhibitions.
The jewel of the medieval village
Acquired by the town in 1937, it became a municipal museum in 1946 and then a Historic Monument in 1948. Today, it is a marvellous showcase housing the Musée ethnographique de l'Olivier, the Solidor donation (40 portraits of Suzy Solidor painted by illustrious artists such as Cocteau, Dufy, Foujita, Lempicka, Laurencin, Picabia, Van Dongen...), and exceptional Baroque painted ceilings.
The Château-Musée Grimaldi also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art in a harmonious setting adorned with bright, typically Italian colours, marble, sculptures and trompe l'oeil.
GUIDED TOURS
*June to September: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m.
*October to May: Wednesdays and Sundays at 11 a.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Château-Musée Grimaldi.
Price of the guided tour: €3 (+ €4 for admission to the museum).
Access
Motorway A8 + Exits 47/48 CAGNES-SUR-MER + Direction Centre-Ville.
Limited free parking on site.
Smart: to avoid parking problems, take the free shuttle bus no. 44 to Haut-de-Cagnes from the town centre bus station every 15 minutes, 7 days a week from 7am to 12.30am (free car parks nearby).