Museum of Art
and History
DISCOVER THE TREASURES
OF THE ANCIENT CITY OF ARAUSIO
The Museum of Art and History, housed in the private mansion opposite the theatre, built in the 17th century, contains priceless treasures. In it you will discover exceptional archaeological remains from the theatre.
The impressive Roman cadastre dating from the 1st century, a precious archaeological document unique in the world, bears witness to the organisation of the Roman province.
The extraordinary history of Orange continues through the medieval period of the city, you will meet William of Gellone, Count of Toulouse and Lieutenant of Charlemagne, before experiencing the five centuries of the very famous Principality of Orange, governed by Protestant Princes, who confronted Louis XIV at the end of the 17th century.
You will also enter the artistic world of Frank Brangwyn and Albert De Belleroche, 19th century painters and contemporaries of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Auguste Renoir.
Focus
Albert de Belleroche (1864-1944) – an entire room in the museum is dedicated to him – had an apartment in Paris with a clear view.
This enabled him to be well placed for Emile Zola’s funeral on 6 October 1902. The painter absolutely wanted to paint this event on the spot. Although there were guests at his home that evening, he completely ignored them, much to his wife’s dismay, in order to finish the painting on the same evening.
A letter from 1953 was found in the museum’s archives indicating that Julie de Belleroche, the painter’s widow, and his son, William de Belleroche, wished to donate the painting to the City of Orange. This request was heard and accepted in 2018 by the twenty beneficiaries of Albert de Belleroche. The painting entitled “L’enterrement de Zola” (Zola’s Funeral) is currently on display in the Belleroche Room at the Museum of Art and History.
