De Groete Bouw

This unique community artwork by artist Olivier Grossetête and Bonnefanten is built entirely from cardboard, tape and, above all, the power of collaboration. From creation to assembly and dismantling, anyone can get involved – no experience is necessary.

Together with school pupils, local associations and local residents, a historic building in Maastricht – the former Cité Ouvrière, popularly known as the Groete Bouw – is being temporarily brought back to life. No machines or cranes, just cardboard, tape and the power of collaboration. The result will be erected on Saturday 12 September on the Vrijthof in Maastricht, and forms part of the Maastricht Year.

Social and historical context
The project is linked to Maastricht’s industrial past and forms part of a wider cultural programme within the Maastricht Year.

The Cité Ouvrière is by no means an obscure building. It was a 19th-century workers’ hostel for employees of the Sphinx factory. The project is therefore not just about art, but also about heritage and storytelling.

Art is created together
In workshops, participants work on individual structural elements made of cardboard, such as arches, windows and roofs. The activity is accessible, meaning that absolutely anyone can take part. The participants become artists themselves. They build, experience and form part of a large-scale public installation right in the heart of the city.

What does participation involve?

Workshops at the Bonnefanten – Monday 7 to Friday 11 September 2026

On site at the Bonnefanten , you’ll work on the monument for one or more half-days of 3.5 hours each, under the guidance of an artistic team. The construction teams consist of 30 volunteers per half-day and may include members of various associations, foundations and schools. This is a fun way to get to know your fellow city residents straight away.

De Groete Bouwdaag – Saturday 12 September 2026

The monument is assembled collectively on the Vrijthof. It is an impressive experience in which all the volunteers who have helped with the project that week come together and assemble all the individual parts on site to create a stunning final result.

The City Parade – Sunday 13 September 2026

The building plays a central role in the historic procession of the Maastricht Year. During a theatrical scene, in collaboration with, amongst others, Toneelgroep Maastricht and Theater aan het Vrijthof, the structure becomes part of a narrative performance. The eventual dismantling of the structure by the public is also part of this.

Sign up for one or more building workshops from 7 to 11 September at Bonnefanten. Help bring this spectacular artwork to life.

Interested? Join us!

We are looking for people who, either individually or in groups (schools or clubs), would like to contribute to this unique project for one or more half-days.

Register before 1 August for one or more half-days.

*Groups may consist of up to 30 people per half-day.