5x the best art museums in Maastricht

Whether you like experimental, contemporary or ancient art; there is always an art museum in Maastricht you can visit. Visit Bonnefanten with its diverse collections, immerse yourself in architecture at Bureau Europa or admire contemporary exhibitions at Marres, the House for Contemporary Art. Be amazed by the craft of printing or get carried away by the exhibitions in Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof. We tell you more about these five special art museums in Maastricht.

1. The Bonnefanten | 2. Bureau Europa | 3. Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof | 4. Chapel of Imagination | 5. Marres, House for Contemporary Art |

1. The Bonnefanten

The Bonnefanten 's rocket-shaped tower is actually a work of art in itself. Aldo Rossi designed the E-shaped building with tower on the river Maas in 1995. Within its walls, paintings by old masters and medieval sculpture are treasured, but not only that. The museum is experimental, offering non-mainstream contemporary artists. With ever-changing exhibitions, the presentations are a surprise every time. Although you can already peek into the online calendar for a taste. Enjoy a little more in the trendy Museum Café Ipanema and don't forget to browse among the artistic gadgets in the Museum Shop. Good to know: you visit the museum for free once a month on 'Free Fridays'.

  • Bonnefanten Maastricht staircase hall
  • Bonnefanten Maastricht sculpture exhibition
  • Bonnefanten museum shop shelves

"With ever-changing exhibitions, it's a surprise every time. "

  • Bonnefanten

    Old masters find their place together with modern and contemporary art in the iconic Aldo Rossi-designed building. More info on Bonnefanten

    Bonnefanten

2. Bureau Europa

In the middle of an industrial district is, quite appropriately, Bureau Europa. This 'platform' in the Sphinx Quarter is all about design, innovation and urbanism. And that in a former hall of the old Sphinx pottery factory , which made Maastricht the largest industrial city in the Netherlands in the 19th century. Impressive models, photos and visualisations take the curious viewer through various themes and topics. Regular exhibition workshops, talking dinners and design excursions are also organised at various locations and through the Sphinx Quarter. Whatever activity you visit, the emphasis is always on architecture with a relevant socio-social angle.

  • Bureau Europa Maastricht entrance Sphinxkwartier
  • Sphinxkwartier Maastricht field for bureau Europa and Loods 5
  • Bureau Europa Maastricht exhibition in hall
  • Bureau Europa exhibition in tunnel

  • Bureau Europa

    As a presentation and networking institution, Bureau Europa organises exhibitions, lectures, projects and other activities in the field of architecture, design and urbanism. More info on Bureau Europa

    Bureau Europa

3. Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof

On Maastricht's most famous square, marvel at the world of photographic art at Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof. The bright red building of the former Spanish Gouvernement, Emperor Charles V's country palace, is not to be missed. Once inside, the photographs come into their own in the 17th-century period rooms with alternating modern elements. Twice a year, the museum has an exhibition featuring big national and international names. Like Alison Jackson who photographed celebrity lookalikes in high-profile fashion. Or Humberto Tan with penetrating portraits of 100-year-olds. Check the agenda on the website for current exhibitions. Want to discover new talent? In KAMER 13 of the museum you will find a changing selection of local photographers. In the salon of café Soiron, while enjoying a piece of flan, you can see how the building's modern and old architectural elements come together.

  • Fotomuseum Aan het Vrijthof exterior
  • Fotomuseum Aan het Vrijthof interior long wall large photos
  • Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof Maastricht large hall exhibition
  • Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof Maastricht interior restaurant

4. Chapel of Imagination

Hidden behind a facade on Jodenstraat in the heart of Maastricht city centre, is the Chapel of Imagination. The seven-room building underwent a metamorphosis in 2024. After the restoration, the Printing Art Museum was renamed Kapel van Verbeelding. With presentations in these spaces, art and the craft of printing come together. How has it been done for over a century? And who were these craftsmen? Also visit the historic print shop from 1900, where little has changed since then. New to the museum is the upper room of the adjacent chapel; the panoramic artwork 'Room of Thought Mechanics' by artist René Glaser. An arty experience, which makes you wonder: am I looking at a collection of artworks or am I standing in a work of art myself? Be surprised.

  • Chapel of Imagination Maastricht
  • Chapel of Imagination Maastricht facade
  • Chapel of Imagination Maastricht close up
  • Chapel of Imagination Maastricht print shop overview

"Am I looking at a collection of artworks or standing in a work of art? "

5. Marres, House for Contemporary Art

Within walking distance of the Vrijthof is Marres, House for Contemporary Art. The museum is in a monumental mansion and uses every surface. Artworks hang in all rooms, corridors, staircases and even in the garden. All senses are stimulated during a visit to this museum. With every new exhibition, the premises change with it. Sometimes it feels like visiting a baroque city palace, other times the house is transformed into a jungle. With performances, workshops and lectures, Marres is truly a 'house for contemporary art'. Is your fifth sense, your taste, feeling a bit neglected after all that stimulation? The chefs of the adjacent restaurant Marres Kitchen bring surprisingly refined flavours, through a mix of contemporary Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. Have fun watching and buon appetito!

  • Marres garden wooden bench
  • Marres entrance outside
  • Marres interior exhibition yellow canvas
  • Marres Kitchen interior tables and chairs
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