"A Free Spirit, Faithful Through Change": Eugène de Beauharnais and the Hohenzollerns in Hechingen

Special exhibition marking the 200th anniversary of the death of Eugène de Beauharnais and the 200th wedding anniversary of Princess Eugénie von Leuchtenberg, daughter of Eugène de Beauharnais, and Hereditary Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Constantin von Hohenzollern-Hechingen**.** “A free spirit, true in change”—This quote originally comes from the poet Theodor Fontane, who used it to describe the fascinating life and outstanding character traits of Eugène de Beauharnais, the Duke of Leuchtenberg. Local history also revolves around this quote: The saying is closely linked to the House of Hohenzollern-Hechingen, as Eugène de Beauharnais was the father-in-law of Hereditary Prince Constantin of Hohenzollern-Hechingen. The banner exhibition in Hechingen is also being presented to mark a special anniversary: On May 22, 1826, Princess Eugénie of Leuchtenberg, daughter of Eugène de Beauharnais, and Hereditary Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Constantin of Hohenzollern-Hechingen were married in Eichstätt Cathedral. This year marks the 200th anniversary of their wedding. It signaled the beginning of a union that would have a lasting impact on the history of Hechingen. Commissioned by the Freundeskreis Leuchtenberg and conceived under the direction of Dr. Bernhard Graf, the exhibition sheds light on the life and work of Eugène de Beauharnais through large-format, richly illustrated information panels. For the Hechingen stop, the presentation has been expanded to include a separate section on Eugénie’s marriage to the future Prince Constantin. In addition, the State Museum is displaying original objects from the possession and circle of the princely couple. Several of these exhibits were only added to the collection in recent years and are now being presented to the public for the first time. The exhibition is complemented by selected items on loan.