Lady Tz’aka’ab Ajaw, the ‘Red Queen’ of Palenque: An Exhibition at Museo Thyssen Bornemisza

This special presentation at the Museo Thyssen features the funerary regalia of Lady Tz’aka’ab Ajaw, the 'Red Queen' of Palenque, a significant 7th-century Mayan figure. The regalia, including a mask and jewelry, highlights the power and relevance of women within the ruling elite of that era.

The Museo Thyssen presents a special display focused on Lady Tz’aka’ab Ajaw, famously known as the 'Red Queen' of Palenque. This historical figure, wife of K’inich Janaab’ Pakal of Palenque, is represented through her funerary regalia, loaned from the Museo de Sitio de Palenque Alberto Ruz L’Huillier. The collection includes intricately crafted bracelets, necklaces, and a funerary mask, offering a tangible glimpse into the status and influence wielded by women in the 7th-century Mayan civilization's ruling elite. This display is part of the broader exhibition 'Half the World. Women in indigenous Mexico.' This larger initiative, organized by several Spanish and Mexican governmental bodies and institutions, aims to celebrate Mexico's indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on women. It brings together over 435 pieces from various Mexican collections to foster stronger ties between Spain and Mexico and acknowledge the enduring resilience, spirituality, and dignity of indigenous women who are custodians of cultural heritage, languages, and ancestral knowledge. The exhibition thoughtfully coincides with Mexico's 2025 declaration of the Year of Indigenous Women.

General admission tickets can be purchased online, with options for reduced and free tickets available. On Mondays, access is free thanks to the sponsorship of Mastercard. Standard museum hours are from 10:00 to 19:00, with Mondays offering access from 12:00 to 16:00.