450 years after the birth of Maria de’ Medici, the Region of Tuscany pays tribute to the daughter of Grand Duke Francesco I and Joanna of Austria, who became Queen of France through her marriage to Henry IV of Bourbon, mother of Louis XIII and grandmother of the Sun King. The exhibition “Maria de’ Medici. At the Origins of the Grand Siècle” was inaugurated at Palazzo Strozzi Sacrati in the presence of President Eugenio Giani. Curated by Samuele Lastrucci, director of the Museo de’ Medici, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge by reservation until August 31. Joining President Giani and Lastrucci in cutting the ribbon was also the French Consul General in Florence, Guillaume Rousson. “She is a prominent figure among the many Medici, but one who has been less explored, told, and restored to her rightful place”, said President Giani. “That’s why I’m especially grateful to those who conceived and organized this exhibition dedicated to Maria de’ Medici, the Florentine woman who, by marrying Henry of Bourbon, ushered in France’s golden century — the age of Cardinal Richelieu and the Sun King. She served as regent on behalf of her son Louis XIII after Henry was assassinated. I especially like to remember her in this context for how she managed to bring so much Florentine and Italian culture to France”. The exhibition includes a selection of handwritten documents, ancient books, engravings, memorabilia, and paintings from important public and private collections. Also on display is the first scenic reconstruction of the Medici theater that in 1600 hosted “Euridice”, the first opera in history, and a never-before-seen painting depicting Maria de’ Medici’s wedding, from the workshop of Rubens.