The subject was particularly popular in the Côte-d'Or region since major excavations had been organized by Napoleon III on the site of Alesia, 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Châtillon.

The excavations of the Gallo-Roman Vertillum, about fifteen miles away, and those of Mount Lassois, produced a large number of objects.

Three years later the discovery of the Vix Grave, a burial of prime importance for its richness and historical interest, brought international recognition to the museum.

[2] Taking advantage of the move, the museum reorganized its collection, which now covers the entire prehistory and history of the region up to the 18th century.

There are experiments in the DIVINE system, a visitor assistance program with interactive multimedia content delivered by Wi-Fi.