The current castle dates from the 17th century and was built by the dukes of Gelre. Before there have been two older houses on the same spot. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the country estate was either sold or inherited within noble families.
In the Second World War, the castle sheltered soldiers. As a result, the building was severly damaged. Castle and grounds deteriorated more and more. In 1986, the foundation Gardens of Arcen Castle acquired the country estate and a start was made with the restoration of the buildings and the gardens. The landscape architects strived to preserve the original ambience of the gardens. The plants were imported from all over Europe.
The castle gardens of Arcen consist of the Rosarium, the Fern Wood, the Golf Garden, Casa Verde, the Model Gardens, the Animal Meadows, the Valley and the Tournament Field.