The Belvédère Museum in the pretty little village of Oranjewoud offers a spectacular view of the Grand Canal. The building designed by Dutch architect Eerde Schippers is built across the water of the Prinsenwijk canal. The Belvédère museum was designed in 1703. The Grand Canal was designed after the death of Albertine Agnes of Nassau, when the Oranjewoud estate was inherited by Princess Henriëtte Amalia, the mother of Prince Johan William Friso.
After her marriage to Prince Johan William Friso, Stadtholder of Friesland and Groningen, Princess Maria Louise came to live in Leeuwarden on 2 January 1710. But the Prince was off fighting the War of the Spanish Succession and was rarely at home. Besides, the Prince had little liking for the capital of Friesland. In the 18th century, Oranjewoud and the Grand Canal were a favourite place of Princess Maria Louise.
