Created in 1986 at the initiative of the city of Caen, the Artothèque is one of the first art libraries in France. For more than 30 years, she has founded her foundation with the will to reinvent herself every day. Since September 14, 2013, it is installed in its new site: the Ducal Palace. The Ducal Palace, built in the 14th century and then rebuilt over the centuries, especially in the 19th century, is a property of the city of Caen, located opposite the original entrance to the Abbaye aux Hommes, where it was probably home to distinguished guests. Largely unoccupied for several decades, the building restored by the city of Caen, offers an area of 650 m2 to the art library, Spaces of contemporary art.