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Artothèque de Caen

Artothèque de Caen
About

The Artothèque de Caen is a vibrant center for contemporary art located in the historic Palais Ducal. Since its founding in 1986, it has championed the integration of art into everyday life through an innovative system of artwork loans, dynamic exhibitions, and artist residencies. With a collection of over 2,400 works spanning from the 1960s to today, the Artothèque offers visitors and borrowers access to a rich diversity of artistic expression. Its mission is both cultural and civic: to make contemporary creation accessible, foster dialogue between artists and the public, and support emerging talent. The venue itself—restored and repurposed from a former ducal palace—adds architectural depth to the experience, blending heritage with modernity. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, it welcomes families, art lovers, and curious minds alike into a space that is as sociable as it is inspiring. Whether through exhibitions, guided tours, or educational programs, the Artothèque de Caen invites everyone to engage with art in meaningful, everyday ways.

Caen France
Location

Artothèque de Caen is set within the historic Palais Ducal at Impasse Duc Rollon, in the heart of Caen. This contemporary art center offers a dynamic programme of exhibitions and art lending, and is recognized for its inclusive atmosphere, with wheelchair access and amenities for all visitors. The Artothèque is surrounded by Caen's cultural highlights—just a short walk away is the grand Caen Castle (Château de Caen), home to the Musée de Normandie and the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can explore regional archaeology and a major collection of European artworks. Numerous galleries, such as Galerie des Croisiers and Galerie R.J, are clustered nearby, as are the boutiques and lively shopping of Galeries Lafayette. For those seeking further cultural discovery, the Frac Normandie art museum and the nature-focused Musée d'initiation à la nature can also be reached on foot, enriching the experience of staying in Caen's vibrant historic center.

Le Mémorial de Caen Le Mémorial de Caen Caen Musée de Normandie Musée de Normandie Caen Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen Caen Musée d’Initiation à la Nature Musée d’Initiation à la Nature Caen Galerie R.J Galerie R.J Caen La Galerie 170 La Galerie 170 Caen The Artists Galerie des Arts The Artists Galerie des Arts Caen YellowKorner YellowKorner Caen Galerie Des Sens Galerie Des Sens Caen Théâtre de Caen Théâtre de Caen Caen Le Zénith de Caen Le Zénith de Caen Caen La Comédie de Caen La Comédie de Caen Caen Le Cargö Le Cargö Caen Château de Caen Château de Caen Caen Le Palais Ducal Le Palais Ducal Caen Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux Caen Vallée des Jardins Vallée des Jardins Caen Parc Michel d'Ornano Parc Michel d'Ornano Caen Parc Claude-Decaen Parc Claude-Decaen Caen Jardin des Plantes de Caen Jardin des Plantes de Caen Caen Abbaye aux Hommes Abbaye aux Hommes Caen Abbaye aux Dames Abbaye aux Dames Caen Église Saint-Pierre Église Saint-Pierre Caen Church of Saint-Jean Church of Saint-Jean Caen Manoir des Gens d’Armes Manoir des Gens d’Armes Caen Collégiale du Saint-Sépulcre Collégiale du Saint-Sépulcre Caen Église Saint-Gilles Église Saint-Gilles Caen Restes de l’église Saint-Martin Restes de l’église Saint-Martin Caen Le Dôme Le Dôme Caen

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