Maastricht main railway station

For over a century, the station building has served as the monumental gateway to Maastricht. For many visitors, this is where their acquaintance with the city begins. The station was designed by railway architect George Willem van Heukelom and opened in 1916. With its monumental appearance, symmetrical façade and striking tower, it was intended to offer travellers a fitting entrance to Maastricht. The station still fulfils that role as the city’s calling card.

Groundbreaking in architecture and engineering
It wasn’t just the design that made an impression. Technically, too, the station building was ahead of its time. The platform canopy was the first in the Netherlands to be built entirely from reinforced concrete and is regarded as an important example of innovative railway architecture. Thanks to the combination of architectural quality and technical innovation, the station was later granted the status of a national monument.

Restored with respect for the past
Between 2019 and 2021, the station building underwent extensive restoration. During this process, many original details were carefully restored, including the characteristic Mosa floor and wall tiles, the historic station clock and the fountain in the station concourse. A historic mural was also restored and made visible once more. Thanks to this restoration, the station once again reflects how Van Heukelom designed it over a century ago.

Fun fact
Although the station building came into use as early as 1916, it never had an official opening due to the First World War. This did not take place until 3 November 2021, following the completion of the restoration, more than a hundred years later.