Madonna with Child - Free Audio Guide

The Madonna met Kind, also known as the Bruges Madonna, is a marble sculpture created by Michelangelo, depicting Mary with the Child Jesus. It is housed in the Church of Our Lady in Bruges and is significant as Michelangelo's first sculpture to leave Italy during his lifetime. Crafted between 1501 and 1504, the statue stands 128 cm tall and weighs nearly 750 kg. The artwork features unique elements, with Jesus appearing notably large and Mary displaying a sorrowful expression. The Madonna has a rich history, having been confiscated during the French Revolution and later briefly taken by German forces during World War II. It returned to Bruges in 1945. The church welcomes about 300,000 visitors annually, but there is an admission fee, and access is limited to specific museum hours. The sculpture is protected behind bulletproof glass for preservation.