PALAIS MARY

Palais Mary: An Art Deco Masterpiece by Kevork Arsenian on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice

Located at 53 Promenade des Anglais—an iconic address lining the Bay of Angels in Nice—Palais Mary is a landmark residential building, constructed over seven floors in the early 20th century. It embodies the timeless elegance of the Art Deco style in a refined and understated expression.

Architecture by Kevork Arsenian

This building is the work of Kevork Arsenian, a renowned Georgian-born architect and graduate of Robert College in Istanbul (an American university). Arsenian left a lasting mark on Nice's architectural heritage in collaboration with his brother-in-law Garabeb Hovnanian, designing several prestigious Art Deco buildings. Their most famous creation remains the Gloria Mansions, built in 1934.

A Maritime and Modernist Aesthetic

Palais Mary fully reflects the modernist aesthetic of its time, enhanced by rare decorative details. The entrance garden features an elegant mosaic, while the entire façade is punctuated with polychrome mosaic maritime emblems and minimalist railings. The building’s low ceiling heights reinforce its discreet elegance.

Structural Ingenuity and Californian Influence

Built on a sloped plot descending from the Promenade des Anglais, the architect was able to incorporate a full mezzanine level. This structural feature is expressed through a robust base of two lower floors. The recessed entrance is highlighted by a glossy black monumental frame inspired by "Los Angeles" architecture. It surrounds a large rectangular window that contrasts with the floor’s rounded openings, adding remarkable aesthetic uniqueness.

A Preserved Heritage

Originally, the façades of Palais Mary were light grey concrete, a typical shade of the period. Though now painted to counter the effects of time, the 2013 façade restoration meticulously preserved the original visual harmony, notably the use of white ironwork—a rare monochrome choice emblematic of the style.

A Monument of Niçois Art Deco

Today, Palais Mary stands as a jewel of Art Deco architecture in Nice, thanks both to its prime location on the Promenade des Anglais and the finesse of its architectural execution. A testament to a time when modernity met elegance, it continues to attract enthusiasts of Niçois heritage, architecture, and history.