BONNEFANTENMUSEUM

The Bonnefantenmuseum, located on the right bank of the Meuse, offers two major collections (ancient and contemporary art), as well as temporary exhibitions. Its French-sounding name means "good children", in reference to the former Bonnefantenklooster (convent of the good children), where the museum was once located.

The current building, designed by architect Aldo Rossi, stands on the site of the former Sphinx ceramics factory. Its sober structure is enhanced by a futuristic 29-metre tower, which has become a symbol of Maastricht. The museum's symmetrical architecture features a magnificent light-wood staircase, red brick walls and a glass roof reminiscent of shipbuilding. The overall effect is reminiscent of a modern version of Venice, with its white walls and small windows.

The ancient art collection on the second floor focuses on medieval art, in a bright, uncluttered setting. Works by Pieter Aertsen, Pieter Brueghel le Jeune, Jacob Jordaens, Pierre Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck can be admired. The museum focuses on both religious and bourgeois art, with numerous portraits of notables. A close collaboration with Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum enables the Bonnefantenmuseum to regularly exhibit works borrowed from this prestigious institution. In one of the museum's rooms, you can observe a very interesting and active restoration workshop behind glass. What fascinating work these people do! Then there's an important collection of medieval Mosan sculptures, including works by the anonymous Master of Elsloo and Jan van Steffeswert. The Willem Neutelings collection is also well worth a look, with diptychs, statues, altar fragments..

The second floor of the museum is devoted to the contemporary art collection, highlighting new artists and talents. The museum boasts an important collection of posters by Joseph Beuys and particularly dark works by René Daniels. Numerous temporary exhibitions by young artists are also presented, in an innovative setting. The museum's dome is often the setting for spectacular temporary works.

Audio guides are available free of charge in English and Dutch via the Map My Visit app (available on iOs and Android). A boutique and café (Ipanema, with a lovely terrace) are also on site.