This was due to a monetary disagreement that led to Michelangelo having the statue brought privately to the Mouscrons in Bruges instead  and in 1514 it was donated to its present home. The sculpture was a memorial to the Mouscron parents, "...which would include a 'sumptuous tabernacle' that would hold an 'excellent' sculpture of the Virgin that is 'very precious' and 'costly'..." No alterations are allowed to be made to the Madonna without proper permission. While Michelangelo was alive, the Madonna was the only sculpture to be taken out of Italy.
This occurred because of a financial issue that led to Michelangelo having the statue transported privately to the Mouscrons in Bruges instead, and in 1514 it was presented to its current site. The sculpture honored the Mouscron parents, "...which would include a 'splendid shrine' that would house an 'outstanding' sculpture of the Virgin that is 'very valuable' and 'costly'..." No alterations are allowed to be made to the Madonna without proper consent. During Michelangelo's lifetime, the Madonna was the only work of art to be removed from Italy.