Max I. Joseph and the women

An exhibition by the Bavarian State Archives in cooperation with the Max-Josef-Stift Gymnasium, on display from October 14 to December 19, 2025, at the Bavarian Main State Archives, Ludwigstraße 14. Max I Joseph, whose 200th anniversary of death will be commemorated on October 13, 2025, was married twice and had eight daughters. His eldest daughter Auguste was married to Napoleon's stepson, Eugène de Beauharnais. His second marriage produced, among others, the future Archduchess Sophie of Austria and Ludovika, the mother of the future Empress Elisabeth of Austria. In addition to the female members of Max Joseph's family, the exhibition also focuses on his efforts to provide girls with a contemporary education. The current Max-Josef-Stift Gymnasium was modeled on the French system. Separate sections of the exhibition are devoted to the history of the school and its partnership with the girls' school of the Legion of Honor in St. Denis, which has existed since 1989. Opening hours: Sunday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on November 1. Long Night of Munich Museums on October 18: Special opening from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Public tours starting October 21, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and by appointment at poststelle@gda.bayern.de. Accompanying events: Lectures on the exhibition in the lecture hall of the Bavarian Main State Archives, Schönfeldstr. 5 on October 21 and 28, November 11, 18, and 25, and December 9. On Sunday, October 19, the 8th European Day of Restoration, guided tours focusing on conservation aspects will be offered at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Admission is free.   Further information and dates can be found in the exhibition flyer. A catalog will be published to accompany the exhibition.