Art Deco in Nice: a rich, well-preserved architectural heritage

The city of Nice is a veritable jewel of Art Deco, the architectural and artistic movement that marked the interwar period and influenced many buildings on the Côte d'Azur. Nice, known for its mild climate and Mediterranean landscapes, saw the emergence of a series of sumptuous, modernist buildings, combining the elegance and functionality that characterize Art Deco. This influence left a deep imprint, visible in the city's hotels, theaters, residential buildings and public buildings.




Nice and the rise of Art Deco


By the 1920s, Nice was already a cosmopolitan city, frequented by the aristocracy and celebrities. The city expanded rapidly, attracting a wealthy population from all over Europe, creating a demand for hotels, casinos, theaters and luxury residences. After the First World War, Art Deco gradually replaced the opulence of the Belle Époque, with its simple, geometric architectural language, using modern materials such as reinforced concrete, glass and wrought iron.

Art Deco developed in many parts of the city, giving Nice a unique character that blends the modernity of the era with Mediterranean charm.




Nice's great Art Deco buildings


Palais de la Méditerranée - 13 Promenade des Anglais

A true emblem of Art Deco in Nice, the Palais de la Méditerranée was designed by architect Charles Dalmas and inaugurated in 1929. Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this imposing building boasts a monumental white façade adorned with bas-reliefs and geometric motifs. Its theater, casino and luxurious lounges were originally designed to welcome the international elite visiting the Côte d'Azur. Restored in the 2000s, it now houses a hotel, while retaining its iconic allure.


Le Gloria Mansions - 123 rue de France

Located in the Baumettes district, the Gloria Mansions is one of Nice's most remarkable examples of Art Deco. Built in 1932, this luxurious residential building is distinguished by its concrete facade adorned with refined geometric motifs and intricate ironwork. Its architect, Georges Dikansky, designed a building distinguished by its attention to detail and the elegance of its balustrades, as well as by the use of large, light-filled interiors featuring noble materials. The Gloria Mansions is listed as a Monument Historique, a rare honor for a residential building, and symbolizes the high level of sophistication achieved by Art Deco in Nice.


La Poste Thiers - 21 avenue Thiers

This building near Nice station is another example of Art Deco in public buildings. La Poste Thiers was built in the 1930s and features a concrete and bricks facade with large bay windows, bas-reliefs and angular motifs reminiscent of the simplicity and geometry characteristic of Art Deco.


Le Palladium - 2 bd Tzarewitch

In the heart of Nice, this is a superb example of Art Deco architecture from the 1930s. Its symmetrical facade is adorned with elegant geometric motifs typical of the style, and features rounded concrete balconies characteristic of the period. Sculpted ironwork decorates the railings, while stylized bas-reliefs add a touch of refinement. With its clean lines and integrated ornamentation, Le Palladium embodies the elegance of Art Deco.


Le Forum - 47 Promenade des Anglais

Built in 1932, Le Forum is an apartment building with shops on the first floor. The building features clean vertical lines and wrought-iron balconies. It is representative of Nice's residential Art Deco style, blending functionality with modernist aesthetics.




Nice's Art Deco heritage is an essential component of the city's identity, contributing to its charm and international renown. This style, which blends geometric rigor and refined decoration, can be seen in many of Nice's neighborhoods, from grand hotels and casinos to private villas and residential buildings. By preserving these architectural treasures, Nice continues to pay tribute to the golden era of Art Deco and enrich its heritage for future generations.