Building the Maastricht Museum together
Seldom has a museum come together so quickly. The first contours of the Maastricht Museum are already taking shape at Centre Céramique. Also in attendance during the preview on 14 April were Alderman Frans Bastiaens, architect Jo Coenen, director Wim Hupperetz, employees and many collaborative partners. Together, they are making it possible for Maastricht to have its own museum. A place where the hidden stories of our special city can be told.
Initial reactions
The initial reactions were enthusiastic. Frans Bastiaens, alderman for culture: ‘The Maastricht Museum is a mirror that reflects our origins and shows our culture. A tangible bit of the past in the here and now. The museum presents the stories of Maastricht, to be discovered by every visitor, and added to.’ Wim Hupperetz, Centre Céramique director, says with great pride, ‘It’s so wonderful to see how a place has been designated for our special pieces at Centre Céramique, in the heart of the building, in the heart of the city. Compliments to the staff who accomplished this in such a short period of time.’ Jo Coenen, architect of Centre Céramique, is naturally interested in the developments: ‘Two museums at the head and tail of the Céramique site, that can complement each other and ensure a balance between the banks of the Maas.’
The doors are open
Even though the museum is still being built, the doors are already open. Over the next few months, the public will be invited to take a peek behind the scenes. They will also be asked if they have a contribution to make. Do they have great stories of their own that have to be told or do they want to know more about certain topics? The museum is looking for information on the history of Maastricht, stories that haven’t been told yet...You can also follow all the developments on social media and in our newsletter. You can visit the museum free of charge through 23 June!
What’s on display at the Maastricht Museum?
The museum’s timeline takes you on an impressive journey through time. Our trip starts around 7,000 years ago, with the first permanent inhabitants. From there, we visit the era of the Romans, the first to build a bridge here over the Maas. Our travels then take us to the Maastricht of the early Middle Ages (from 500 to 1,000 AD): a political-religious centre. And finally, we learn about the fortified city of the 16th to 18th centuries, before arriving at the Netherlands’ first industrial city in the early 19th century.
Un-Dutch city
Until well into the 18th century, Maastricht’s connections to the east, west and south were stronger than those with the Republic to the north. Maastricht feels like a bit of foreign land in its own country as a result; it’s only logical that the city evolved in the 20th and 21st centuries to become a European city where knowledge and innovation are central themes. Get surprised by Maastricht’s past and present.
For everyone!
We’re proud of Maastricht and would love for everyone to learn about our history. We communicate in Dutch and English, but also in the special local language, Maastrichts. After all, this variant of the Limburg regional language with its soft ‘g’ and elongated vowels is the local Moojertaol (mother tongue). Just our way of doing our part to keep this regional language alive.
The museum doesn’t just tell one story...
New history with special events is constantly being added to the timeline. The exhibit on the 1673 siege of Maastricht will open in late June, depicting the French siege of the city, Louis XIV, D’Artagnan and more. You are also sure to be amazed by the as-yet-unknown stories. Starting on 24 June, we will charge for admission to the museum.