The Bonnefanten Museum is home to one of the finest art collections in the Netherlands. In this striking Aldo Rossi-designed building, you will find modern and contemporary art exhibitions, with a focus on work from the area. A range of archaeological finds and a top-class sculpture collection are also on display.
Founded in 1884, the Bonnefanten Museum did not move to its current location until 1995. The famed Italian architect Aldo Rossi designed the building in a most fascinating style, producing an elegant structure that takes great creative advantage of natural light and uses mainly traditional materials such as brick and natural stone. As you approach the building, take your time to appreciate its design, and look out for the museum’s iconic bullet-shaped tower.
On the first floor, you will find a strong collection of European pre-modern art. Highlights include certain Italian paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries as well as a range of great Dutch and Flemish artworks. Keep your eye out for Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s Census at Bethlehem (1610) and other original work from the old masters. Minimalism and the School of Paris are well represented at the Bonnefanten also. The museum’s fine medieval sculpture collection includes a number of impressive altarpieces as well as a range of precious objects made from wood, alabaster and ivory.
Explore the museum’s contemporary collections to find conceptual, minimalist and neo-expressionist works among others. Such prominent artists as Luciano Fabro, Sol LeWitt and Iannis Kounnelis have their work on display at the Bonnefanten. You will also find a video room dedicated to short films and a separate section dedicated to Maastricht’s local contemporary art scene.
The Bonnefanten Museum is open every day except Monday, with the exception of public holidays. There is a fee to enter. The museum is located on Avenue Céramique, which is around 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre but also easily accessible by bus. On your way out of the museum, take a moment to browse the museum shop or enjoy a Dutch snack at the in-house Café Ipanema.
