Art
Discover the marvels of its medieval castle
Discover Caen: Rich History, Stunning Architecture, and Captivating Tours
Caen boasts a variety of museums that provide a deep dive into its rich history and culture. The Musée de Normandie, located within the Château de Caen, offers an extensive collection that showcases the region’s history, archaeology, and ethnography. Another highlight is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, also situated within the castle, featuring a remarkable collection of European paintings from the Renaissance to the 19th century. For a contemporary touch, visit the Mémorial de Caen, a museum dedicated to peace, which provides a comprehensive account of World War II, the Battle of Normandy, and the Cold War.
The Caen Memorial is a must-visit museum! From the origins of the Second World War to the end of the Cold War, the museum depicts the terrible history of the 20th century. A unique photographic legacy: discover the Patrick Chauvel collection exhibition! This free, permanent exhibition provides an overview of the great war correspondent’s career, as he reported on conflicts around the world in the half-century. A must-see! A unique feast for the senses to get to grips with our European history with the 360° screening of “L’Europe notre histoire”.
A museum of history and society, the Normandy Museum presents a panorama of the lives of people throughout the Normandy region from prehistoric times to the great migrations of the Middle Ages, from the mutations of the countryside to the first upheavals of industrial society. A programme of activities for all: guided tours, discovery trails, educatio-nal workshops, events and performances,Shop.
In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, set sail on La Mora for England to reclaim the throne he had been promised. After this epic journey, he would become The Conqueror, King of England. The La Mora association brings this part of history to life, with an immersive tour through 1,000 years of Norman naval adventures (in French, English and German), La Mora’s reconstruction site, workshops and events. It also has workshops and events open to all throughout the year and has a terrace facing the remarkable sites of Honfleur.
This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. Exhibits include military vehicles, weapons, uniforms, and personal stories, giving visitors a deep understanding of this critical period in history.
The Fine Arts Museum in the castle’s sculpture park is home to unique ancient paintings, contemporary pieces, drawings and engravings from every period. Open to ages 3 and over: performances, cinema, literature, cookery and more. Resident artists bring the night to life: life drawing, students, museums and more. On-site: gift shop, Le Mancel restaurant, library.
The museum focuses on the French and British D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 at Colleville sur Orne, the capture of Ouistreham casino by the French commandos led by Kieffer and the Battle of Normandy. A video recounts the German invasion in 1940, Free France, the commandos, their training, the landings, the liberation of Ouistreham and Normandy. The many objects on display were gifts from British and French veterans and their families.
The sprawling Museum of Fine Arts features paintings, sculptures, drawings and objets d’art that date back to the 15th century. Throughout the 19th century, generous donations made the museum home to one of the largest impressionist collections in France, with paintings by masters such as Monet, Sisley, Caillebotte, Pissarro, Degas and Renoir. Other highlights include works by Perugino, Veronese, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Ribera and Poussin.
