On July 2, 2026, the opening of a commemorative exhibition at the Villa Masséna took place. It will be open from July 3-27, 2026.
This exhibition shows “how a human community faces hardship, how it comes together, rebuilds itself and transmits its history” through archives, photographs, works, documents… It consists of three main sections: tribute, solidarity and the screening of the documentary “10 Years” (Franck Fernandes).
Between intense emotion and collective tribute
During the inauguration, Éric Ciotti spoke, addressing the families of victims, associations, elected officials…
The Mayor of Nice described the tragic event as a “scar that will never fully heal”. He announced that there will be a solemn march on July 12 and an interfaith ceremony on July 13. As for July 14, it will offer a military parade, a memorial ceremony in the presence of President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron, a concert at the Théâtre de Verdure and a drone show. To give an unprecedented dimension to this tribute, the exhibition also reveals for the first time judicial documents, made accessible through the action of the national anti-terrorism prosecutor of the time, François Molins. Finally, eighty-six light beams will be projected into the sky from the Promenade des Anglais to honor the 86 victims.
Eric Ciotti affirmed, “our city remembers […] the spirit of the city turns toward the memory of the tragedy, of the victims […] the exhibition testifies to the horror that took them.” He also explained that its purpose was to advance the collective and public mourning. The exhibition also shows how Nice and France faced terrorism, how “humanity did not turn away.” It is a “promise to the victims and to future generations.”
The curator of the Masséna museum, Jean-Pierre Barbero, spoke about the exhibition by saying that many people had forgotten the origin and meaning of the Vigipirate plan.
Memories to never forget
Later, he guided visitors through each room. In the first, there were notably 20 flags for the 20 nationalities of the victims. In the second, newspaper articles were displayed but also a clock that will remain at the time of the attack. The tour also highlights vibrant displays of civic solidarity: stuffed animals offered, pebbles painted by children and carried to the “roof of the world,” as well as the precious associations’ guest book. Further on, a particularly difficult room addresses the tragedy through poignant press drawings. In this atmosphere heavy with meaning, the notes of Calogero and his song “The Fireworks” resound, whose words take on a deeply moving resonance here.
Behind the works, Jean-Pierre Barbero also revives the memory of places by sharing an intimate memory of that night at the Villa Masséna. He recounts caring for two terrified little girls in the midst of the chaos at 3 in the morning. By wrapping their forms in survival blankets, the team managed to make them believe they were little princesses, offering them a moment of fleeting gentleness in the heart of the tragedy.
The documentary reveals how several victims moved from childhood to adulthood, sometimes too quickly, how they experienced the attack, how they try to move forward in life.
By bringing the memory of July 14 to the heart of Nice’s cultural heritage, the Villa Masséna exhibition goes beyond simple commemoration. It asserts itself as a necessary collective work to advance public mourning, while transmitting a true lesson of courage and hope to future generations. Ten years later, the message carried by the city of Nice and by the entire nation remains unchanged: honor the past to better rebuild the future, together. For if the scar remains, resilience has triumphed.
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