Nice Cimiez archaeological museum

The Nice Cimiez archaeological museum is located on the site of the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum. The museum consists of two parts: a covered museum displaying its collections, and an outdoor area where Roman remains are still visible.

The archaeological museum

The archaeological museum exhibits many of the objects found in the Roman ruins of the ancient city of Cemenelum, now Nice’s Cimiez district.
Some of the objects come from excavations in the region.
But what makes this archaeological museum attractive is not just the sobjets. In fact, some of them are put into situation, so that you can see the authentic object and its use. There are also models of buildings, to help visitors understand the remains on the outside.
This is a living museum of Nice’s origins.

The Nice Cimiez outdoor archaeological site

In the outer enclosure, numerous building foundations have been discovered, mainly public baths and a few dwellings with shops.
The northern baths are in sufficient condition to recognize the various parts of the Roman baths:

• Cloakroom,
• warm bath (caldarium),
• warm bath (tepidarium),
• cold bath (frigidarium).

Interesting too, towards the western baths, the foundations of the church and its outer baptistery. This was a small pool dug into the ground, with steps to access it. At the time, the baptism ceremony required the baptized person to be fully immersed.
The presence of the first Christians is estimated as early as the 3rd century, including the man who would become Saint Pons.

A building plan of the entire outdoor site is on display on site, along with directions.

Practical information

Musée archéologique de Nice Cimiez
160, avenue des Arènes de Cimiez
06000 NICE

Museum open daily except Tuesday
From November 1 to April 30, 10am to 5pm
From May 2 to October 31, 10am to 6pm
Closed January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25

Access
Bus : Lines 5, 18 and 33 (Stop Arènes / Musée Matisse)

Official website
including the virtual tour of the site