Adios Mama Carlota

On 1 November 2026, the official commemorative year dedicated to Princess Charlotte will begin with the impressive exhibition ‘Adios Mama Carlota, A Forgotten Empress’. Together with the Natural History Museum of Mexico City and the Mexican Embassy, the Meise Local Authority, the Berla heritage association and a number of local partners, Meise Botanic Garden is bringing the life story of one of our most intriguing historical figures back to life.

The fascinating life of Empress Charlotte

Born in Laeken as the first princess of Belgium and married to Archduke Maximilian of Austria, Charlotte ascended the throne as Empress of Mexico in 1864. After a compelling and tragic life, she spent the last sixty years of her life at Bouchout Castle, in the heart of what is now the Botanical Garden. Her story is one of extreme highs and lows — a history in which resilience and vulnerability are inextricably linked. These are themes that not only shaped her life, but are also more relevant than ever in our contemporary society.

Adios Mama Carlota, a unique exhibition in 28 scenes

At Bouchout Castle – the very place where Empress Charlotte spent no fewer than 60 years – the Berla heritage association presents a comprehensive overview of her life through photographs, illustrations and video footage of re-enacted scenes from various periods of her life. On the upper floors of the square tower, her life has been brought to life in an even more original way: felt dolls in the colourful and characteristic style of Día de los Muertos bring 28 scenes from her life to life. These were created by Francisco Rivas, who previously worked at the Natural History Museum in Mexico City. This second, vibrant part of the exhibition was organised in part with the support of the Mexican Embassy.

A richly packed year of commemoration

The opening of ‘Adiós Mama Carlota’ marks the start of a large-scale cultural year of commemoration in the Municipality of Meise and the Botanic Garden. Over the coming months, immerse yourself in a varied programme packed with:

• Culture & Heritage: Lectures, theatre performances, documentaries and book launches.
• Music & Art: Concerts, local art projects and special heritage activities.
• Second ‘Viva Carlota’ Exhibition: Later in the commemorative year, Meise Botanic Garden will present the ‘Viva Carlota’ exhibition. In this exhibition, leading artists such as Ulrike Bolenz will bring the echoes of Charlotte’s voice to life through powerful sculptures exploring female resilience.

Practical information

• Exhibition start date: 1 November 2026 intil 2 May 2027
• Venue: Bouchout Castle
• Partners: Plantentuin Meise, Lokaal Bestuur Meise, Erfgoedkring Berla, Francisco Rivas en de ambassade van Mexico