A legendary collection of Habsburg family jewels is set to be unveiled at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec in September 2026. The exhibition, titled "Hidden Treasure: A Century of Mystery," will feature rare items such as the 137-carat Florentine Diamond.
The 1940 flight of Empress Zita to Quebec City
Empress Zita arrived in Quebec City in October 1940 with her eight children and a small suitcase containing the family's precious gems. After fleeing Nazi troops in Europe, the former Empress found refuge through the Sisters of Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc .. As the report states, this move marked the beginning of a century-long period of secrecy regarding the Habsburg treasures.
The arrival in Canada was a desperate escape following the bombing of the Habsburg family home. Empress Zita sought safety in Quebec, where she lived for a decade before returning to Europe. During her time in Canada, the jewels remained hidden, eventually being entrusted to local religious organizations to ensure their survival.
The 137-carat Florentine Diamond and Marie Antoinette’s watch
The upcoming exhibition at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec will showcase the 137-carat Florentine Diamond, a pale yellow stone roughly the size of a quail’s egg.. This diamond, which once belonged to the Medici family, is a centerpiece of the "Hidden Treasure: A Century of Mystery" show. Its unique double rose cut is designed to maximize sparkle, a feature that has inspired various films and novels.
The exhibition will also feature an emerald pocket watch once owned by Marie Antoinette. This timepiece was placed in safekeeping during the French Revolution and contains a locket with hair believed to belong to the Queen's mother. Other highlights include a daimond-encrusted Order of the Golden Fleece and the original suitcase used by Empress Zita.
A century of secrecy managed by the Saint Joseph Trust
The Habsburg faily maintained the location of these 15 jewels as a closly guarded secret for nearly 100 years. Following Empress Zita's death in 1989, the collection was managed by the Saint Joseph Trust, with Andrew Molson serving as the trustee. According to the source, the family only publicly revealed the jewels' location in Quebec City in the fall of 2025.
Security concerns at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec led officials to delay the exhibition's publicity. These worries followed a high-profile heist at the Louvre in Paris, prompting the museum to prioritize the protection of these priceless artifacts. Consequently, the exhibition will require a special admission ticket for attendees.
The Austrian government’s potential claim to the gems
While the provenance of the jewels has been studied by historian Richard Bassett, the legal ownership remains a point of contention. The Austrian government established an expert commission in December 2025 to investigate whether the state has a legitimate claim to these pieces. This investigation is currently ongoing and could impact the future of the collection .
The legal status of the Habsburg collection remains uncertain as the Austrian government continues its investigation. It is currently unverified whether the Austrian state will formally challenge the Canadian trust holding the jewels. The outcome of this commission will likely determine if these treasures remain in Canada or return to Europe.
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