Museum of Art and History

A city dripping with history like Orange is bound to have a fantastic Museum of Art and History. It’s right here, just across the street, housed in this 16th-century mansion built for Georges Van Cuyl. And yes, you’re right, the name doesn’t sound too Provençal. The manor’s owner was actually Dutch and in charge of the castle’s weaponry. Turns out Holland and Orange are bound by history. When Philibert de Chalon, the last Prince of Orange, died without any heirs, all his possessions passed to his cousin from the Dutch branch of the Counts of Nassau. This new lord was named William l of Orange-Nassau, a major historical figure in the Netherlands. He is famous for having led the great revolt against the King of Spain, ultimately securing the independence of both the Netherlands and Belgium; the latter was then under Spanish rule and governed by the powerful House of Habsburg. And so, Orange has this strong family tie to the man considered to be the founding father of the Netherlands! Even today, the Dutch royal family carries on the “Prince of Orange” title. Queen Juliana even visited Orange in 1952 and planted an oak tree on the Saint-Eutrope hill to honor her ancestors. But back to the museum. Note that admission is included in your ticket to the ancient theatre. Inside, you’ll find the precious “Cadastre d’Orange”, a land registry system dating all the way back to the 1st-century Roman Empire, and used for the administration and management of Rome’s provincial properties. The museum also features some interesting collections retracing the city’s history over the centuries. You can learn all about the principality of Orange, the Protestant princes, and even discover the work of more contemporary artists. History buffs, this museum is a must-see!