The Cold War: ‘We thought it was over…’

Step back in time to an era when tensions between East and West were mounting and the threat of a Third World War was palpable. Between 1945 and 1991, the Cold War not only shaped global politics but also left a deep mark on everyday life.

What did that period mean for Maastricht? And which memories are still visible today? The exhibition ‘The Cold War: We thought it was over…’ brings local history to life. Discover stories about the Civil Defence, military service, shelters and the peace and protest movements. Familiar objects – from preserving jars to toys – also show how the Cold War penetrated right into people’s homes.

Experience history up closeat ‘
’ (A Time That Has Passed). Be surprised by personal stories, familiar objects and special locations in Maastricht. An accessible exhibition for anyone curious about a period that seemed to have passed, but now feels relevant once again.

Visit the exhibition

• From 11 to 25 October
• Daily from 11.00 to 15.00
• Het Dinghuis, Maastricht
• Free admission

Accessibility: as the exhibition can only be reached via a flight of stairs, it is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchair users.

Supporting programme

• On Sunday 18 October, the Maastricht Air-Raid Shelter Museum Maastricht will be open; admission is free between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. More info: Taking shelter in Maastricht
• On Monday 19 October at 7.30 pm, the legendary satirical film *Dr. Strangelove* will be screened at Lumière. More info: *Dr. Strangelove*
• From 9 to 25 October, guided tours are organised daily at the former NATO Headquarters on the Cannerberg. More info: Guided tour of the caves at the former NATO Headquarters

The organisers
The exhibition is an initiative of the ‘Schuilen in Maastricht…’ working group and Explore Maastricht, and was made possible thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, the Toy Museum in Oosterhout, the Limburg Hunters Museum and private collectors.