15 Rue Droite,
06000 Nice  – France

Residence of the Lascaris-Vintimille family, this palace was constructed from 1648. It remained the property of the family until the Revolution. Sold in 1802, it deteriorated greatly. Acquired by the City of Nice in 1942, it was classed as an Historical Monument in 1946. Influenced by the Genoese baroque style, the palace combines a 17th-century ensemble with embellishments and modifications from the 18th century. The buildings are organised around two small inner courtyards from which a monumental stairway leads off through arched bays. The vault in the entrance vestibule bears the coat of arms of the Lascaris- Vintimille family. State apartments occupy the first floor in each of the two wings of the building. The ceilings in this series of rooms are either decorated with frescoes on mythological themes or with stucco dating from the end of the 17th century. An apothecary founded in 1738 was set up on the ground floor. Rooms on the 3rd floor will soon harbour the City of Nice’s collection of antique musical instruments.