Stars of Europe

The Stars of Europe are a striking work of art in Maastricht’s Céramique district. The monument was erected to mark the tenth anniversary of the Treaty of Maastricht and symbolises cooperation between European nations. It serves as a lasting reminder of the special role Maastricht played in the history of Europe.

A monument to the Maastricht Treaty
On 7 February 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed in Maastricht. This treaty established the European Union and laid the foundations for the introduction of the euro. Ten years later, on 7 February 2002, Stars of Europe was unveiled as a lasting reminder of this historic moment.

The monument is an initiative of the Province of Limburg and the Municipality of Maastricht and highlights Maastricht’s status as a European city.

Stars that keep moving
The artwork was designed by the Italian artist Maura Biava and technically developed in collaboration with architect Ruby van den Munckhof. It consists of slender aluminium columns with stars that move freely with the wind. This constant movement symbolises a Europe that continues to evolve.

The twelve large stars refer to the twelve member states of the European Economic Community (EEC) that took part in the European Summit in Maastricht in 1992. The smaller stars symbolise the further development and expansion of European cooperation.

More than just a work of art
Quotes about Europe and cooperation have been inscribed on the aluminium columns. In doing so, the designers add an extra layer of meaning to the artwork.

Stars of Europe keeps alive the memory of an event that secured Maastricht a lasting place in the history of Europe.