For the 2026 Nice Carnival, NICETOILE presents Reine de Lumières, an immersive exhibition dedicated to inspiring women, enriched with carnival workshops for children and families: creation of masks, bouquets and festive makeup.
Queen of Light at NICETOILE – Nice Carnival 2026 Exhibition
From February 14 to March 8, 2026
When inspiring women illuminate NICETOILE
For the 2026 Nice Carnival, whose theme honors the Queen, NICETOILE is fully integrated into the official festivities by offering a unique, immersive, and engaging cultural exhibition in the heart of downtown Nice, just steps from the carnival parades.
Designed as a complementary experience to the parades, the Queen of Light exhibition invites locals, visitors, and Carnival spectators to extend their immersion before or after the parades in an accessible, vibrant space rooted in its local community.
An immersive exhibition dedicated to women who have shaped history
NICETOILE presents Queen of Lights, an exhibition dedicated to women who, through their words, actions, and stances, have contributed to the evolution of society and the transformation of collective imagination.
Historical icons, popular figures, contemporary personalities, local heroines, and emblematic figures all share the same strength: the power to have dared, inspired, and paved the way.
They revolutionized the world
They marked and changed history
They defied the taboos of their time
Universal female figures and heroines of the French Riviera
The exhibition highlights universal female destinies such as Frida Kahlo, Coco Chanel, Josephine Baker, Marie Curie, Queen Elizabeth II, and Beyoncé, major figures in culture, history, science, and creativity.
NICETOILE also pays tribute to the women of the French Riviera and Nice who have left their mark on their era and the region's identity: Catherine Ségurane, Niki de Saint Phalle, Agathe-Sophie de Sasserno, Simone Veil, Mado la Niçoise, and of course, the Queen of May, an emblematic figure of local heritage.
Each portrait is accompanied by a striking anecdote and a symbolic object, allowing visitors to better understand the uniqueness, strength, and legacy of these inspiring women, for all generations.
The Queen of May: A Heritage at the Heart of the Exhibition
A dedicated space explores the history of the Queen of May, a popular tradition deeply rooted in Nice's identity and inextricably linked to the history of the Nice Carnival.
Iconic posters, iconic costumes, and visual archives invite the public to rediscover this traditional festival, its aesthetics, and its festive spirit.
Costumes and Masks from the Nice Carnival on Display at NICETOILE
As every year, NICETOILE is exhibiting a selection of masks and costumes from previous editions of the Nice Carnival, retracing the history and evolution of one of the world's greatest carnivals.
This heritage exhibition showcases the craftsmanship, creativity, and artistic richness of the Carnival, while strengthening the connection between the event and the city center.
Carnival Workshops for All Ages
True to its commitment to making culture and the Carnival accessible to everyone, NICETOILE offers a program of carnival workshops for children aged 6 and up.
On the program:
Mask and bouquet-making workshops for the Battle of Flowers (reservations required)
Face-painting workshops every Saturday, before, during, and after the parades
Workshops run from February 14 to March 1, 2026, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at the NICETOILE center.
NICETOILE, a must-see stop on the Nice Carnival
With Reine de Lumières (Queen of Lights), NICETOILE affirms its role as a key cultural player in the Nice Carnival, offering a cultural, festive, family-friendly, and inspiring experience.
Located in the heart of Nice, NICETOILE is becoming an essential stop on the Carnival route, inviting visitors to celebrate light, heritage, and the women who have shaped history.
Practical Information
NICETOILE – 30 Avenue Jean Médecin - Nice
Queen of Lights: February 14 to March 8, 2026
Carnival Workshops: February 14 to March 1, 2026
From February 14 to March 8, 2026
When inspiring women illuminate NICETOILE
For the 2026 Nice Carnival, whose theme honors the Queen, NICETOILE is fully integrated into the official festivities by offering a unique, immersive, and engaging cultural exhibition in the heart of downtown Nice, just steps from the carnival parades.
Designed as a complementary experience to the parades, the Queen of Light exhibition invites locals, visitors, and Carnival spectators to extend their immersion before or after the parades in an accessible, vibrant space rooted in its local community.
An immersive exhibition dedicated to women who have shaped history
NICETOILE presents Queen of Lights, an exhibition dedicated to women who, through their words, actions, and stances, have contributed to the evolution of society and the transformation of collective imagination.
Historical icons, popular figures, contemporary personalities, local heroines, and emblematic figures all share the same strength: the power to have dared, inspired, and paved the way.
They revolutionized the world
They marked and changed history
They defied the taboos of their time
Universal female figures and heroines of the French Riviera
The exhibition highlights universal female destinies such as Frida Kahlo, Coco Chanel, Josephine Baker, Marie Curie, Queen Elizabeth II, and Beyoncé, major figures in culture, history, science, and creativity.
NICETOILE also pays tribute to the women of the French Riviera and Nice who have left their mark on their era and the region's identity: Catherine Ségurane, Niki de Saint Phalle, Agathe-Sophie de Sasserno, Simone Veil, Mado la Niçoise, and of course, the Queen of May, an emblematic figure of local heritage.
Each portrait is accompanied by a striking anecdote and a symbolic object, allowing visitors to better understand the uniqueness, strength, and legacy of these inspiring women, for all generations.
The Queen of May: A Heritage at the Heart of the Exhibition
A dedicated space explores the history of the Queen of May, a popular tradition deeply rooted in Nice's identity and inextricably linked to the history of the Nice Carnival.
Iconic posters, iconic costumes, and visual archives invite the public to rediscover this traditional festival, its aesthetics, and its festive spirit.
Costumes and Masks from the Nice Carnival on Display at NICETOILE
As every year, NICETOILE is exhibiting a selection of masks and costumes from previous editions of the Nice Carnival, retracing the history and evolution of one of the world's greatest carnivals.
This heritage exhibition showcases the craftsmanship, creativity, and artistic richness of the Carnival, while strengthening the connection between the event and the city center.
Carnival Workshops for All Ages
True to its commitment to making culture and the Carnival accessible to everyone, NICETOILE offers a program of carnival workshops for children aged 6 and up.
On the program:
Mask and bouquet-making workshops for the Battle of Flowers (reservations required)
Face-painting workshops every Saturday, before, during, and after the parades
Workshops run from February 14 to March 1, 2026, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at the NICETOILE center.
NICETOILE, a must-see stop on the Nice Carnival
With Reine de Lumières (Queen of Lights), NICETOILE affirms its role as a key cultural player in the Nice Carnival, offering a cultural, festive, family-friendly, and inspiring experience.
Located in the heart of Nice, NICETOILE is becoming an essential stop on the Carnival route, inviting visitors to celebrate light, heritage, and the women who have shaped history.
Practical Information
NICETOILE – 30 Avenue Jean Médecin - Nice
Queen of Lights: February 14 to March 8, 2026
Carnival Workshops: February 14 to March 1, 2026
Services offered
Quality standards
Quality standards
Famille plusOpening times
Opening times
From 1 February 2026 until 8 March 2026
From 1 February 2026 until 8 March 2026
Wednesday
11:00 - 18:00
Saturday
11:00 - 18:00
Sunday
11:00 - 18:00
Flower battle bouquet workshops (Friday) Makeup (Saturday) Mask creation (Sunday).
