It was designed by two architects, Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal, and is shaped as a tetrapod arch straddling the course of the Paillon.

The monumentality of the project developed to cross the Paillon allows connection through a terrace, called the Promenade des Arts, from the Museum to the Theater.

The entrance and the shop are located at the level of the esplanade Niki de Saint Phalle, which overlooks the Place Yves Klein.

In October 2001, Niki de Saint Phalle bequeathed a large part of her collection to the city of Nice for the museum.

The donation consists of 170 works including 63 paintings and sculptures, 18 prints, 40 lithographs, serigraphs, and 54 many original documents.