The exhibition ran from 4 October 2017 to 3 June 2018.
Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria was born in May 1717, 300 years ago. She was the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. He was also King of Bohemia and the Duke of Luxembourg and Brabant. On the death of Charles VI in 1740, a number of States had forgotten their promise to accept Maria Theresa as their sovereign, especially the King of Prussia, Frederick II. But they were wrong to underestimate Maria Theresa! She proved herself to be a strong and progressive sovereign, who came through several wars and successfully maintained the unity of the Hapsburg monarchy. Moreover, by pushing through vast reforms, she turned all the countries she ruled into efficient, modern states, while deliberately cultivating the image of a female sovereign and making the most of her femininity in her public relations.
The series of lectures '300 Jahre Maria Theresia. La Femme aux multiples couronnes' organised jointly with the Austrian, Belgian and Czech Embassies in October and November 2017, focused on this mutual sovereign who also reigned over Luxembourg.
A selection of previously unseen works connected to the Maria Theresa era in Luxembourg were presented in a mini-exhibition at the Museum from 4 October 2017 to 3 June 2018.
