In June 1970 the Caen Museum of Fine Arts also moved into the castle, expanding the collection.

The founding of the museum goes back to Georges Henri Rivière who wanted to set up a national network of regional museums in France in the 1930s.

While passing through Caen he gazed at the ruined city along with Michel de Boüard, professor of history at the University of Caen and Jean Vergnet-Ruiz, inspector general of provincial museums.

The idea of the museum was born as the discussions between these men took place.

Over time, the collection expanded, and now includes ancient as well as Medieval items.