Aon ’t Hart Gelege
In Aon ‘t Hart Gelege - Maastricht in Paintings, you see the city through the eyes of artists who captured it about a hundred years ago. Discover lost places, familiar streets, and stories about Maastricht as it once was.
Paintings from the first half of the twentieth century show Maastricht in times of change. They reveal how people lived, worked, and spent their leisure time, and how they coped with scarcity, war, and renewal. Behind every work is a story of artists, collectors, and residents who recognize their own memories in these paintings.
The exhibition shows how art and everyday life are intertwined. Family stories, urban renewal, resourcefulness, and mutual support in difficult times come together to create a familiar and layered portrait of Maastricht, filled with both melancholy and joy.
Visitors also contribute to the exhibition. Share your own memories and help add new stories to the city’s history. Contemporary works and stories are included as well, allowing present-day Maastricht to stand alongside the Maastricht of the past.
More than an art exhibition, Aon 't Hart Gelege is a journey through Maastricht's shared memory. From rarely seen paintings in private homes to stories contributed by visitors themselves, it offers a unique opportunity to discover the city through the experiences of generations of Maastricht residents.
On view at Maastricht Museum from 5 November 2026 until September 2027.
Vrijthof (1930), Guillaume Eberhard – Oil on panel
This painting shows people enjoying themselves on the terrace of Hotel Dominicain on the Vrijthof. In the background, you can see the tram shelter, where passengers once waited for the tram that used to run through Maastricht.
Open call for art and stories: your work in the museum
For the exhibition Aon ’t Hart Gelege (November 2026 to September 2027), Maastricht Museum is launching an open call for art and stories from residents and admirers of the city.
Which place in Maastricht is close to your heart? It might be an iconic spot in the historic centre, a hidden gem in your neighbourhood or a memory closely tied to the city. This exhibition focuses on Maastricht painting from the last century and we are also collecting images and stories that show Maastricht today.
click here to participate