It’s been a long wait but well worth it. The Musée Massena (Massena Museum) in Nice finally opened after a nine-year restoration. For years, I would stroll by the stately exterior wondering when (if ever) I could see what’s inside.

I waited a while after the opening ceremony in March to pay a visit. I took advantage of the special €2.50 fee (it’s usually €4) and chose a Saturday instead of the first and third Sundays of the month when admission is free.

All in all, it was a charming excursion into Nice history. Although the museum claims to own some 15,000 objects displaying the history of Nice, only a fraction were on display. My favorite was the display of photos and paintings showing Nice up through WWII. It gave an excellent idea of a less developed and more relaxed city.

My only complaint (and it’s not a small one) is that there was a lack of labelling on the objects. In many cases, it was not really clear what you were looking at.

Ah, but that’s why admission is only €2.50, the ticket seller told me. In another month or so, all will be in order and the museum will be even more fascinating to visit.