This richly decorated cradle originates from the old Brussels Palace on the Coudenberg. The cradle was suspended on the metal rods which can be found on either side of it. Contrary to popular belief, this cradle was probably not made for the future emperor Charles V, but for his father, Philip the Handsome. This is suggested by the rich, polychromatic decorations which includes the coats of arms of Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian I of Austria, Philip the Handsome’s parents. This notion is reinforced particularly by the intertwined double 'M', their initials. The letters are connected with a bow and embellished with flowering thistles.
This historic cradle was already part of the exhibits displayed at the opening of the Halle Gate Museum in 1847.