Margaret. The Emperor's Daughter between Power and Image

21.09.24 - 05.01.25

With Margaret. The Emperor's Daughter between Power and Image, MOU brought an international, successful exhibition dedicated to an exceptional woman: Margaret of Parma (1522-1586).

Born in Oudenaarde, this daughter of Charles V and maid Johanna Van der Gheynst was no minor figure. She was governor of the Netherlands during a turbulent time at the beginning of the Eighty Years' War. Moreover, she was a true art lover and society figure in Italy.

The exhibition at MOU included portraits and splendid objects that Margaret cherished or commissioned. With a magnificent banquet that evoked the ‘feast of the century’. In Pamele's Church of Our Lady, contemporary interventions were added by photographer Lieve Blancquaert and lutenist Floris De Rycker. But Oudenaarde itself was also fully dedicated to the emperor's daughter through the variety of Margaret's activities, kicked off with a Joyous Entry during the festive opening weekend.

A look back

More about Margaret

Read the unique story

You must read the underexposed story of Margaret of Parma, a governess, art lover, and Italian society figure. Commissioned by the City of Oudenaarde, curator Dr Katrien Lichtert, together with 15 subject specialists, wrote the first international and wide-ranging book dedicated to this fascinating figure, who has slipped through the cracks of history until recently.

This richly illustrated publication rehabilitates a woman who played a key role in the Habsburg Netherlands and the turbulent sixteenth century. Authors from different disciplines look at every aspect of Margaret’s life and times, to ensure that the emperor’s daughter finally occupies her rightful place in history. Curious about who Margaret of Parma was as a person and as a woman-in-power? Then get the unique exhibition catalogue, the reference work on Margaret's impressive life path during the turbulent period of the 16th century.

More info about the book >>

Taste the Margaret beer

A Margaret beer was brewed together with brewery Rolling Hills especially for the exhibition. 'Margaretha' is a fresh blonde beer with 6.5% alc, brewed with lemongrass and floral notes such as daisies. You can still purchase the beer with matching glass at the museum's shop.

The Joyous Entry of Margaret

On Sunday 22 September 2024, more than 500 years after her death, Margaret made another joyful entry into her hometown of Oudenaarde. She brought with her Italian and Oudenaarde flag bearers and a spectacular horse show. Relive this unique moment with the aftervideo.