Architecture & Facade

Architecture & Façade

Édouard-Jean Niermans’ Masterpiece

A masterpiece by Édouard-Jean Niermans, the façade of Le Negresco has become an emblem of Nice, casting its timeless glow over the Baie des Anges. Since its inauguration in 1913, it has remained one of the few palaces on the Promenade des Anglais that has preserved its original architecture through successive restorations. The building was officially listed as a historic monument in 1975

Entrusted to Niermans in 1911, the design reflects his reputation as a visionary of the Belle Époque. Celebrated for his work at the 1889 World’s Fair, he went on to shape some of the era’s most iconic landmarks, including the Moulin Rouge, the Élysée-Montmartre, the Casino de Paris, and the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz — as well as Le Negresco itself.

The façade exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style that defined architecture between 1860 and the First World War. It harmoniously blends Neoclassical elements, such as columns and triglyphs, with Rococo details including medallions, bull’s-eye windows, and garlands.

As one of the last grand pre-war palaces, Le Negresco stands apart for its innovative design and modern comforts — shaping the legacy of the contemporary grand hotel.

In a continued effort to preserve and transmit this heritage, Le Negresco has undertaken an exceptional restoration. In 2022, the upper façade was meticulously renewed, reinstating ornamental details lost to time, including the four fire pots that crown the central pavilion.

In 2025, the Belle Époque statues, first installed in 1913, will return to their original positions, completing the building’s restoration to its full splendour.