Which museums to visit in Caen and its surroundings?
Rich in historical and cultural heritage, Caen boasts numerous museums.
Between its famous Memorial and its history and art museums, discover our selection of must-sees during your stay in Caen.
It's impossible to discuss Caen's museums without starting with the famous Caen Memorial.
Located just a stone's throw from the D-Day landing beaches, this iconic museum traces the history of the 20th century, particularly from World War II to the end of the Cold War.
Much more than a museum, it is an essential memorial for anyone wishing to understand the events that marked Normandy and the world.
The experience is immersive, educational, and moving, and is ideal for children ages 8 and up.
📍Address: Mémorial de Caen Esplanade Eisenhower 14050 Caen
⏱️Hours: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. depending on the season. Closed on Wednesdays in November and December.
💶Prices: €20.80. Free for children under 10.
Housed within William the Conqueror's Ducal Castle, the Caen Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the finest art collections in Normandy.
Admire European paintings from the 16th to the 20th centuries and engravings in an exceptional historical setting.
📍Address: Caen Castle grounds, 14000 Caen
⏱️Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💶Prices: From €5
Also located within the castle grounds, the Normandy Museum offers a journey into the past, exploring the daily lives of the Normans, from prehistory to the present day.
You can discover archaeological objects, traditional costumes, and reconstructions of life in Normandy through the centuries.
📍Address: Castle grounds, 14000 Caen
⏱️Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💶Prices: €5
There are also many museums to discover around Caen, near the D-Day landing beaches.
Among them is Radar Station 44 in Douvres-la-Délivrande, housed in a former German radar station. This site should be of interest to military history enthusiasts and those curious about military history.
In Ouistreham, the Atlantic Wall Museum immerses visitors in the world of the Atlantic Wall bunkers.
Housed in the former headquarters of the German army, you can explore the engine room, the armory, the ammunition depot, the radio transmission room, and a real restored assault barge, notably used in the film "Saving Private Ryan."
You can then reach Pegasus Bridge in 5 minutes.
Stay in a hotel in downtown Caen, Place de la République, and enjoy all the comforts of a 3-star hotel.
All our rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, and a television with Chromecast.
You can also rent electric bikes at the hotel for the day or half-day.
Book your stay in Caen now.
Between its famous Memorial and its history and art museums, discover our selection of must-sees during your stay in Caen.
The Caen Memorial, a dive into the heart of the 20th century
It's impossible to discuss Caen's museums without starting with the famous Caen Memorial.
Located just a stone's throw from the D-Day landing beaches, this iconic museum traces the history of the 20th century, particularly from World War II to the end of the Cold War.
Much more than a museum, it is an essential memorial for anyone wishing to understand the events that marked Normandy and the world.
The experience is immersive, educational, and moving, and is ideal for children ages 8 and up.
Practical Information
📍Address: Mémorial de Caen Esplanade Eisenhower 14050 Caen
⏱️Hours: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. depending on the season. Closed on Wednesdays in November and December.
💶Prices: €20.80. Free for children under 10.
The Caen Museum of Fine Arts and its prestigious collection
Housed within William the Conqueror's Ducal Castle, the Caen Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the finest art collections in Normandy.
Admire European paintings from the 16th to the 20th centuries and engravings in an exceptional historical setting.
Practical Information
📍Address: Caen Castle grounds, 14000 Caen
⏱️Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💶Prices: From €5
The Normandy Museum with its traditions and regional heritage
Also located within the castle grounds, the Normandy Museum offers a journey into the past, exploring the daily lives of the Normans, from prehistory to the present day.
You can discover archaeological objects, traditional costumes, and reconstructions of life in Normandy through the centuries.
Practical Information
📍Address: Castle grounds, 14000 Caen
⏱️Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💶Prices: €5
Museums around Caen to explore with the family
There are also many museums to discover around Caen, near the D-Day landing beaches.
Among them is Radar Station 44 in Douvres-la-Délivrande, housed in a former German radar station. This site should be of interest to military history enthusiasts and those curious about military history.
In Ouistreham, the Atlantic Wall Museum immerses visitors in the world of the Atlantic Wall bunkers.
Housed in the former headquarters of the German army, you can explore the engine room, the armory, the ammunition depot, the radio transmission room, and a real restored assault barge, notably used in the film "Saving Private Ryan."
You can then reach Pegasus Bridge in 5 minutes.
Reach your Best Western Royal Hotel in Caen
Stay in a hotel in downtown Caen, Place de la République, and enjoy all the comforts of a 3-star hotel.
All our rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, and a television with Chromecast.
You can also rent electric bikes at the hotel for the day or half-day.
Book your stay in Caen now.
