Musée de Normandie, Regional history museum in Castle of Caen, France
The Musée de Normandie is a regional museum housed in the Castle of Caen, presenting the history of Normandy from ancient times to the modern era. Its collections include archaeological finds, crafts, and objects that document the region's development through different periods.
The museum was founded on 1 November 1946 as the Musée d'ethnographie et d'histoire de la Normandie, after Georges Henri Rivière suggested the idea to Michel de Boüard in ruined Caen in July 1945. It had neither premises nor collections at first, and objects were stored in a shed near the church of Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux. In 1958 it was decided to install it in the logis des gouverneurs, restored by Jean Merlet, and it opened to the public there in December 1963.
The exhibitions show everyday items and crafts that reveal how people lived and worked in Normandy across different periods. These objects tell stories about daily routines, trades, and celebrations that shaped Norman life.
The museum is located in central Caen within the Castle complex and is easily reached on foot. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as exhibits are spread across several rooms and levels.
The museum occupies the logis des gouverneurs, a building begun in the early 14th century and largely rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries. When it was restored by Jean Merlet, the monumental staircase on the main facade was demolished. The building had housed the bailli, then the castle captain, then the governor of the town and castle of Caen.
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