Built in 1929-1930 by architect Georges Dikansky, La Rotonde is a remarkable example of early 20th-century architecture in Nice. Listed as a Monument historique since 2001 and designated a 20th-Century Heritage site, it stands out for its curved façade and beautifully preserved polychrome mosaics.
Nice’s eclectic style
La Rotonde was designed during a period of significant transformation in Nice, marked by the construction of numerous apartment buildings and residences to meet the demands of demographic and economic growth. Located in the Quartier des Musiciens, in the heart of the city near the train station and main thoroughfares, the building attracted affluent residents seeking modernity and comfort.
Topped with a roof terrace and two belvederes, the building features a truncated conical plan with spacious apartments radiating around the central staircase. Its architecture reflects the stylistic influences of the era, blending the classical Art Deco style developed by Dikansky after the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs with subtle nods to Art Nouveau. The rounded façade, geometric lines of the cornices and pilasters, and the decorative friezes embody the Art Deco vocabulary, while the flowing lines of the windows, decorative friezes, and wrought-iron balconies subtly evoke Art Nouveau. The façade’s natural tinted cement is accentuated by stunning polychrome mosaics and stylized bas-reliefs.
Renovation and preservation
Over the decades, La Rotonde has undergone several renovation campaigns led by architects and craftsmen. These efforts have restored original elements, such as balconies and polychrome façade decorations, while modernizing interior installations to meet contemporary standards of comfort and safety, all while respecting the building’s historic character.
This iconic building embodies Nice’s urban history and cultural influence.
© Elisabeth Rossolin
Georges Dikansky
Georges Dikansky (1881-1963) was a renowned architect who left a lasting mark on Nice and the French Riviera. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he settled in Nice in 1919, specializing in the construction of luxury apartment buildings and residences.
Between 1925 and 1963, he designed numerous buildings in Nice and along the Côte d’Azur. His early works are characterized by a bold Art Deco style, while his later projects reflect a transition toward modernism. Among his most notable works, La Rotonde is considered one of his masterpieces. He also designed the Sémiramis (1927), Palais Marie (1930), and Forum (1932). From 1947 until his death, Georges Dikansky collaborated with his son Michel Dikansky (1921-1997), who continued his architectural legacy. Together, they completed projects such as the Palais Mercedes (1951), Versailles (1955), Domaine de Falicon (1961, with Jean de Mailly), and the Palais d’Orient and Capitole (1962).
The Dikansky Architectes firm, still active today, is now led by Georges Dikansky (1958-), son of Michel Dikansky and grandson of Georges Dikansky.
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