Bonnefanten Museum

The Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht is a combined old-master and contemporary-art museum housed in a distinctive building designed by architect Aldo Rossi that opened in 1995. The museum’s program spans historic paintings and sculpture alongside modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

Permanent displays and temporary exhibitions alternate between presentations of regional and international works; the collection covers Dutch and Flemish old masters, 19th- and 20th-century art and contemporary installations. The building’s tower and long gallery wing are signature elements and are used for major temporary projects as well as the permanent displays.

The museum relocated to the Aldo Rossi building to provide modern exhibition and conservation facilities while creating a memorable architectural presence on the riverfront. The site frequently stages public programmes and educational activities tied to its rotating exhibitions.

Positioned on the Meuse riverbank east of Maastricht’s historic centre, the museum is a short walk from central squares and connected by local transport links.

• Building and architect: The current building, designed by Aldo Rossi, opened in 1995 and is noted for its cylindrical tower and elongated gallery wing facing the Meuse.

What to See #

• Main exhibition wing: A long, low exhibition wing housing the museum's chronological displays from old masters to contemporary art and periodic special exhibitions.
• Tower and project spaces: A cylindrical tower and adjoining spaces used for installations, media work and focused temporary projects designed by Aldo Rossi as part of the building concept.
• Riverside and outdoor areas: Riverside setting and sculpture areas on the site adjacent to the Meuse where outdoor works and events are sometimes staged.