The standoff between the Nice Municipality and the Ministry of Sports over the National Sports Museum at Allianz Riviera has ended with a compromise agreement. Both the minister and the mayor were pleased that an agreement was found to allow the installation of the National Sports Museum in Nice.
“We came together for the common interest,” said Valérie Fourneyron. “Everyone made an effort and in the end, we’re all winners. This project deserved a consensus.”
Christian Estrosi also welcomed this agreement. “It’s good news for Nice and for sports,” said the deputy mayor of Nice.
“Much ado about nothing”—as the most famous bard, William Shakespeare, would have said about this false feat of arms—if one recalls the thunderous declarations from the Mayor of Nice against the Minister of Sports, whom he blamed for not wanting to honor the commitments of her predecessors (Municipal Council of December 20th last).
But ultimately, it’s not bad that Christian Estrosi chose “the peace of the brave,” perhaps inspired by his spiritual mentor Charles De Gaulle.
On the other hand, the Minister does not seem like someone who lets herself be easily swayed…
Following yesterday’s announcement, the National Sports Museum will be set up within the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, and installation operations will begin this year.
A statement of intent defining the investment of the State, the City of Nice, and the National Sports Museum in the success of this project has been signed. It outlines the role of each stakeholder.
This much-anticipated installation, in a 5,500 m² space, will showcase one of the largest collections of sports items in the world, containing nearly 100,000 items. The institution, labeled “Musée de France,” will contribute to the promotion of sports culture in Nice, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, throughout France, and beyond its borders.
In addition to the reserves of heritage and documentary collections, the Museum will host permanent exhibitions, temporary and current exhibitions, a children’s museum, an auditorium, a shop, and a research center.
