Weekend of Defence Heritage 2026
During the 'Weekend of Defence Heritage' on 18 and 19 April 2026, visitors will have the chance to explore Maastricht's historic fortifications. During this special weekend, several monuments and defence sites will be opened to the public. Locations that lead back to the time of the Romans or, on the contrary, are part of living history. The stories come alive in the air-raid shelters, a Roman castellum, the fortress, the kazematten, the caves or the former NATO headquarters. Visit the free exhibitions, discover museums or dive into history on a guided tour.
Free exhibitions
Shelter Museum Maastricht
Sunday 19 April
On Sunday 19 April, the Schuilkeldermuseum will open its doors to visitors who want a penetrating look at life during World War II. In the historic kazematten , you will experience what it was like to take shelter during air raids, in a place where this actually happened. The exhibition displays personal memories and objects from both the war years and the Cold War, with volunteers providing additional context and stories.
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Museum cellar Derlon
Sunday 19 April
The Museum Cellar Derlon displays special Roman excavations under Hotel Derlon, including a sanctuary and remains of a castellum. The finds date from 1983 and have been a national monument since 2004. The museum is located on Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein. The exhibition is free to visit. A guide from Explore Maastricht will be present to enrich your visit with information.
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Museums and guided tours - 18 and 19 April
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Fortress Museum
Fortress Museum
Vestingmuseum Maastricht is a small-scale fortress museum in the second monument city of the Netherlands. More info on Vestingmuseum
until 30 December
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Maastricht Museum
Maastricht Museum
Discover Maastricht's history through art, heritage and special objects. The collection shows how the city developed over the centuries. More about Maastricht Museum
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Guided tour of caves NATO headquarters
Guided tour of caves NATO headquarters
Discover the hidden history of the Cold War in the former underground NATO headquarters in the Cannerberg. More info about Guided tour Caves NATO Headquarters
until 3 January 2027
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Guided tour of Fort Sint Pieter
Guided tour of Fort Sint Pieter
An early 1700s fort where cannons, embrasures and stories from the guide take you back to bygone times of war and occupation in Maastricht. More info on Guided tour of Fort Sint Pieter
until 2 October
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Guided tour of Grotten Noord incl. Vault
Guided tour of Grotten Noord incl. Vault
Discover the famous Grotten Noord in more detail; incl. a visit to the vault, where 800 Dutch masterpieces were stored in the 2nd World War. More info on Guided tour of Grotten Noord incl. Vault
until 3 January 2027
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Guided tour of Kazematten Waldeck Kazematten
Guided tour of Kazematten Waldeck Kazematten
Get a good idea of the how and why of this unique and impressive military monument. More about Guided Tour Kazematten Waldeck
until 3 January 2027
