The Massena Palace Museum of Art and History, often referred to as the Massena Museum or the Massena Palace (alternately, the Massena Villa), strikes at first by its architectural qualities. It is one of the main sights along Promenade des Anglais, and its beautifully laid out colorful gardens are the work of a reputed 19th century landscape gardener (Edouard Andre) who has also designed the gardens of the Monte-Carlo Casino.
Built between 1898 and 1901 by the design of Hans-Georg Tersling, the palace became home to the Museum of Art and History in 1921. The more than 20 exhibition rooms retrace the history of Nice by displaying collections of all sorts of items, such as furniture, decorations and artworks amounting to more than 15,000 exhibits.