In the heart of a centuries-old garden, within a context of dwindling resources, the Matisse Museum is keen to reduce its ecological footprint and is working on several areas of museum activity to achieve this goal.
Energy performance of its building
- Completely revised lighting
Since 2017, a major project to progressively change the museum’s lighting has been underway to replace it with LEDs to illuminate better, preserve better and consume less. We have achieved our goal of 100% renewal in exhibition rooms.
- Sealing work under review
In 2021, a major project was carried out to renovate the sealing of the museum’s contemporary extension, and now allows better thermal regulation of this part of the museum. The ageing SKYDOMES were also replaced, significantly improving the energy management of the extension.
Extensive work remains to be carried out on the old part of the museum, and in particular on the window frames of the Villa des Arènes.
Eco-design of exhibitions
- Integrating ecological thinking into the production of structures
Since 2018 and the design of the exhibition “Matisse & Picasso: the comedy of the model”, the museum has involved its service providers and, in particular, its scenographers in the design of reusable furniture. All the bases for presenting the sculpture collection were, for example, produced in 2019 for the “Matisse Metamorphoses” exhibition according to a scheme for modular bases and tables allowing reuse and easy storage of these presentation arrangements.
Furthermore, the Matisse Museum no longer destroys picture rails but exchanges them with its network of neighbouring establishments, donating furniture it no longer needs. No more construction wood is thrown away. In addition, the museum regularly lends and donates unused equipment.
- More sustainable logistics
Concerning the logistics linked to the loan of works, the museum requests that works are grouped as much as possible in multiple crates and, particularly since the health crisis, promotes remote condition reports. This practice meant that, for example, for the “Hockney – Matisse. A Paradise Rediscovered” exhibition, 79 works were transported from the United States in just 13 crates.
Towards softer mobility
- Promoting the public transportation network
While a survey carried out in 2021 shows that more than 40% of visitors access the museum by public transport (bus), the museum works in conjunction with the Transport and Sustainable Mobility Department of Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis to further encourage this mode of transport by combining it with others, such as the electric bike.
- Encouraging the development of cycling
Indeed, while the museum’s hillside location previously made this mode of travel pretty much unviable, the increase in the number of electric bicycles now means we can promote it, in particular by creating a parking space for cyclists travelling to the museum, as well as a cycle path along Boulevard de Cimiez.
All these developments will ultimately help better define strategic communication regarding access to the museum and minimise visitors’ environmental impact.