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Maastricht is culture

Maastricht, where culture comes alive and inspires throughout the year. One day shows only a fraction of its cultural wealth. As the Netherlands' second city of culture, Maastricht brings together its unique heritage and modern expression. The city on the river Meuse immerses you in art, music and performing arts through museums, cultural festivals and theatres, among others. Maastricht, the artistic stage of the south.

Art in public spaces | Dutch Dance Days | Culture in Maastricht | View the cultural events calendar

Art in public spaces

Maastricht is a city where culture is visible everywhere. Not only in museums, theatres and historic buildings, but also simply on the streets. Art in public spaces is an integral part of the city and contributes to its character. Sculptures, monuments and other works of art tell stories about the city’s history, its cultural traditions and its residents. They give meaning to streets and squares and make culture part of everyday life. Because these works of art are accessible to everyone, residents and visitors naturally come into contact with them. Sometimes they catch your eye straight away; sometimes you only discover the story behind them later. In this way, art in public spaces connects the past and the present and shows what makes Maastricht so special.

Maastricht, a city full of art

  • 't Mooswief

    't Mooswief

    This image of the typical Maastricht greengrocer’s wife is both a tribute to the market women of yesteryear and an icon of the carnival.

  • Amazone te paard

    Amazone te paard

    A bronze sculpture by the Limburg sculptor Arthur Spronken. The artwork illustrates how movement and tension were central to the work of...

  • The Liège Perroen

    The Liège Perroen

    This monument serves as a reminder of Maastricht’s Liège past.

  • De Zaate Herremenie

    De Zaate Herremenie

    The musicians of this colourful brass band pay tribute to the ‘zaate hermeniekes’ who make Maastricht’s street carnival the celebration it is.

  • Passage to Wisdom

    Passage to Wisdom

    This is a work of art by Bořek Šípek that forms the entrance to Maastricht University Library.

  • Angel on the Wall

    Angel on the Wall

    High up on a white façade in the Jeker Quarter, this bronze angel writes a poem with a feather from her own wing.

  • Henric van Veldeke Square

    Henric van Veldeke Square

    A historic square in the city centre. It is situated next to the Vrijthof and is surrounded by listed buildings, including St Servatius Basilica and...

  • Statue of Ezeltje (Donkey)

    Statue of Ezeltje (Donkey)

    The bronze statue ‘Statue Of Ezeltje (Donkey)’ commemorates the donkeys that were once used to transport goods through Maastricht.

Enjoy longer - culture in Maastricht

Discover cultural Maastricht

Museums and galleries

From contemporary art to a museum dedicated entirely to photography. There are many museums in Maastricht, each with its own character. You will also find special art galleries throughout the city, often hidden behind monumental facades. With impressive exhibitions throughout the year, there is never a dull moment in Maastricht! We inspire you with the offer.

Discover art
Man at Bonnefanten in Maastricht

  • Theatre and film

    Ainsi theatre in Maastricht

    A trip to the theatre or the cinema makes your stay in Maastricht that little bit more special. Theatre, cabaret, dance, film… there’s something for everyone. Scattered throughout the city, you’ll find theatres, venues and arthouse cinemas where you can enjoy major productions or intimate performances.

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  • City of dance

    Dancer during battle Dutch Dance Days

    Dance is more than movement: it combines singing, music and drama. Enjoy dance performances in Maastricht, with Festival de Nederlandse Dansdagen being the highlight for the city and for the Dutch dance world.

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  • Music and concerts

    Muziekgieterij Maastricht indoor hall concert

    Maastricht offers concerts all year round, from pop at the Muziekgieterij to classical at Theater aan het Vrijthof. In summer, André Rieus Vrijthof concerts are the highlight, alongside spontaneous mini-concerts.

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Discover the cultural agenda

  • Ellen von Unwerth: My Circus

    Ellen von Unwerth: My Circus

    until 13 September

    Exhibitions

    A high-profile exhibition by Ellen von Unwerth showcases her iconic photography full of femininity, playfulness, eroticism and fashion.

  • Eve Arnold: All about Eve

    Eve Arnold: All about Eve

    19 September 2026 to 31 January 2027

    Exhibitions

    Discover the work of one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century at Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof.

  • Nederlandse Dansdagen 2026

    Nederlandse Dansdagen 2026

    2 to 8 October

    Dance and Ballet

    The top of Dutch dance is coming to Maastricht again this year to celebrate its unprecedented diversity and quality with audiences.

  • Celina Eceiza - Rubyfruit Jungle

    Celina Eceiza - Rubyfruit Jungle

    4 October 2026 to 3 January 2027

    Exhibitions

    A sensory total installation in which textiles, colour and imagination come together to create a poetic universe.

Cultural studies

Maastricht is home to several cultural programmes, such as the academy of music, the theatre academy and the Maastricht Institute of Arts. This makes the city an important and vibrant centre for artists, culture makers and creative talent.

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Conservatoire in Maastricht

Maastricht Makers

Creativity can be found at every corner. The manufacturing industry is buzzing here: architecture, jewellery design, textile processing, ceramics, and much more.

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Studio Note by Milan Palma in Maastricht

Get inspired - by these culture makers

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