The Kulturhistorisches Museum Magdeburg is presenting a special exhibition on Queen Luise of Prussia from 12 November 2026. Entitled “The Luise Myth”, it brings together historical depictions and later works of art. The exhibition marks the 250th anniversary of the monarch’s birth in 1776. It is due to run until 10 January 2027 in the museum’s upper foyer.
The focus is not only on the queen’s life, but also on the question of how she was remembered after her death. The museum has announced exhibits created both during Luise’s lifetime and later. They include a coloured engraving entitled “The Grand Masquerade Ball” from 1805 and a depiction of the queen after the Battle of Jena, dating from 1806 or 1807. The 2026 work “German Soup Luise” is by the artist Moritz Götze.
Luise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz became Queen of Prussia in 1797 and died in 1810. According to the museum, she was popular during her lifetime. After her death, the veneration of her initially grew into a Prussian patriotic myth. When her son Wilhelm became German Emperor decades later, the museum says, her legacy also took on a national significance.
The museum sees a particular connection with Magdeburg’s history. The writer Karl Immermann, who was from the city, later recounted childhood memories of a visit by Luise and King Friedrich Wilhelm III According to the museum, Luise intervened on behalf of Prussia in 1807 when Napoleon list for Magdeburg was negotiating peace at Tilsit. Her attempt was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, according to the museum, she was later venerated in the city as a protective figure.
The history of the Luise Monumentalso shows how firmly her memory was anchored in the cityscape. According to the city, the Patriotic Women’s Association had a monument created by Johannes Götz erected on 18 June 1901. In February 1963 it was found knocked from its plinth; the city says the circumstances remain unclear. A newly erected monument was unveiled on 25 June 2009.
Portraits, the monument and later art reveal different forms of remembrance. The exhibition itself focuses on a selection of objects from different periods. The monument stands outside the museum in Geschwister-Scholl Park and is not among the announced exhibits.
The museum is planning guided tours to accompany the exhibition, including one on 22 November 2026 at 1 pm. Further dates have been announced for 13 December 2026 and 3 January 2027. On 8 December 2026, an event organised by the Senior Academy will also offer insights into the exhibition.
Editor: Celestina Fuentes (Article created with AI assistance).