House Ocrum

House Ocrum is one of Breda's most famous court houses. In the 1950s, it was the location of Breda's St. Joost art academy. Before that, it also served as a monastery, embassy, royal residence, military warehouse and orphanage. 
 

After a major city fire, Huis Ocrum was built by nobles from the court of Hendrik III. The house had three wings and a stair tower. In 1806, the French king of Holland, Louis Napoleon, and his wife stayed in this house. They stayed with a city administrator who borrowed luxury furniture and silver from wealthy Breda residents for the occasion to make Huis Ocrum look royal. Incidentally, the house had distinguished guests before. When the Peace of Breda was signed in 1667, Henry Coventry, the English ambassador, spent the night here. 
 

Now it is part of Nieuwe Veste where music, theater, visual arts and dance take center stage. And you'll find the library here. In the garden, formerly the garden of Huis Ocrum, there is a 250-year-old mulberry tree, a living monument.