Powerful Woman Showcase - Cadolzburg Exhibition Features "Lovely Els"
Special Exhibition at Cadolzburg Highlights Medieval Powerhouse: Elisabeth of Bavaria (1383-1442)
Stepping into the halls of Cadolzburg Castle on July 31, 2025, visitors will be transported back to the late medieval era, as the special exhibition "A Woman in Power: Elisabeth of Bavaria" showcases the life and influence of a remarkable noblewoman.
Born into the powerful Wittelsbach dynasty in 1383, Elisabeth of Bavaria played a significant role in the political and cultural landscape of her time. The exhibition explores her multifaceted role, from power broker and regent to patron of the arts, and illustrates her enduring impact on the region.
A Noblewoman in a Turbulent Era
Elisabeth's life spanned a period marked by dynastic struggles, territorial disputes, and the complex interplay between noble houses. Despite the challenges, she managed to maintain and expand her family's influence, acting as a political figure who brokered peace and alliances, shaping the governance and defense of key territories, and directing the dynastic affairs of both Franconia and the North from Cadolzburg.
A Symbol of Female Authority
In a male-dominated society, Elisabeth stands out as a woman who wielded power effectively. She exemplifies how noblewomen could influence politics and culture behind the scenes or from official regency positions. The exhibition highlights her patronage of religious and cultural institutions, including commissioning artworks, architecture, and manuscripts that reflected her piety and status.
The "EFFECTIVE" Project
The special exhibition at Cadolzburg is part of the nationwide project "EFFECTIVE: Female Networks of the Hohenzollerns in Late Medieval Times". This initiative spans four generations of Hohenzollern women and presents their diverse networks at ten historical sites, including Schleswig-Holstein, Italy, and Poland. The project includes contemporary sounds, an extensive accompanying program, and themed tours, making for an immersive and engaging experience.
Exploring Elisabeth's Legacy
The exhibition at Cadolzburg features high-quality loans, multimedia stations, and interactive offers, providing visitors with a comprehensive look at Elisabeth's life and times. The castle itself symbolizes her and her family's power, and the exhibition uses it to trace her impact on the cultural heritage of Franconia.
The exhibition runs from July 31 to October 19, 2025, and is included in the regular museum admission. The opening of the Cadolzburg exhibition is emphasized as having cross-regional significance, as it highlights a society where all people, regardless of gender, must be equally valued.
Join us at Cadolzburg this summer and discover the story of Elisabeth of Bavaria, a "woman in power" whose influence resonates through the centuries.
- The special exhibition, "EFFECTIVE: Female Networks of the Hohenzollerns in Late Medieval Times," not only focuses on Elisabeth of Bavaria but also expands to four generations of Hohenzollern women, showcasing at ten historical sites, including science, health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and women's health discussions in the broader context.
- The "A Woman in Power: Elisabeth of Bavaria" exhibition encompasses more than just politics, illuminating her influence on various aspects of the society, such as science, arts, and even general news, reflecting her multifaceted role in the late medieval era.
- As visitors tour the Cadolzburg Castle during the special exhibition, they will find a connection between women's health, women's empowerment, and politics in the late medieval period, emphasizing the idea that women played significant roles in shaping the world beyond just the domestic sphere.
