The museum's collection includes a large and important collection of local Roman archaeological finds and art (mostly modern).

The museum stands on the edge of the Valkhof park, site of a Roman army camp and a citadel built by Charlemagne.

The museum's building was designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel and was opened on 14 September 1999 by Queen Beatrix.

In November 2008, the official name of the museum was changed to Valkhof-Kam.

This reflected an agreement reached with the heirs of G. M. Kam.