A new Little Prince museum has opened its doors in Switzerland
Source: Hacker News
On November 7, the Besenval Palace in Solothurn hosted the official opening of the museum « Der Kleine Prinz und seine Welt », dedicated to The Little Prince through the collection of Jean‑Marc Probst. The ceremony was attended by Olivier d’Agay, great‑nephew of Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry and President of the Succession Saint‑Exupéry d’Agay, together with the Little Prince teams and the Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry Youth Foundation.
Collection
- Over 10 000 items gathered by the Jean‑Marc Probst Foundation over more than forty years
- Books, objects, documents, and rare editions related to the 1943 literary masterpiece
- One of the most significant Little Prince collections worldwide, now publicly accessible
The exhibition’s scenography was created by the Bâtisseurs de Mémoire, offering an immersive experience in a historic setting.
Significance
- The Little Prince is translated into more than 600 languages and dialects, making it the most translated book after the Bible.
- The cantonal chancellery noted: “With The Little Prince, it is almost the entire world that settles in Solothurn.”
Jean‑Marc Probst, a passionate collector since 1980, has assembled editions from around the globe. Since 2013, his foundation has also supported new publications, extending the work’s legacy.
Educational and Interactive Offer
- Content designed for children and adults
- Emphasis on preserving and sharing Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry’s humanist message
- Interactive displays and educational programs
Venue
Located on the banks of the Aare, the Besenval Palace—built in the early eighteenth century—opens a new chapter as a space devoted to imagination, sharing, and encounters inspired by The Little Prince.