Bonnefantenmuseum, Maastricht

The Bonnefanten museum is build in a building designed by Aldo Rossi. And in the Wiebengahal. The collection has old art (statutues and paintings from 1300-1650) and an international collection of contemporary art. Also attention for regional artists in changing expositions. Imortant highlights in the museum are the following. 1. The crying by Orley, whi is inspired bt Italian reneaissance 2. Ours of the day, by Serra, a sculpture of steel 3. a famous work by Steffeswert, the “st anna in three” 4. The fishmanrkt by Beuckelaer from the 16 th century. 5. a pyrmaide by Sol de Witt, minimal art. 6. paintings by Piere Kemp. 7. Nachtfart, an artwork by the swiss Signer. Thse are the highlights. The museum has Serra, Fabro, Merz, Daniëls, Hume. Open: 11-17, closed on monduas (except on Mondays that are holidays). Entrance: 7 euro

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In the Bonnefanten Museum you can find art of old masters, but also contemporary art. The museum is designed by the Italian architect Aldo Rossi. The imposing cupola dome of the museum lies at the side of the river Maas and became one of Maastricht's major landmarks. From the entrance at the other side the symmetrical building has the appearance of an Egyptian temple.

The contemporary art collection of the museum at the second floor contains works by an international group of artists. The collection also includes projections, large ensembles and room-size installations. Prominent artists of American minimal art and Italian Arte Povera form the basis of the collection.

The collection of old masters emphasises 16th and 17th century Flemish painting, including major works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens. There are also medieval sculptures, early Italian painting and Maastricht silver.

Near the entrance at the groundlevel is a museumshop which you can visit without an entrance ticket. At my first visit I bought a lot of books, at my second visit I came to look at a special collection of bags. The museum has a nice grand café with terraces looking out at the River Maas.

Opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
When you are early like we, the grand café and terrace is open from 10am

Entrance fee: adults: € 7.00

The Bonnefanten Museum houses collections of Old Masters and contemporary art. Among many interesting exhibits, in the Bonnefanten are on display paintings from the Rijkmuseum: the best of 16th and 17th c. Flemish art, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens and also 23 paintings from the early Italian period 1300-1550 which have been added to the already existed collection. Till the 17 January is on display the work of the Polish artist Pawel Althamer, winner of the Vincent 2004. The Italian architect Aldo Rossi designed the very interesting building of the museum.
Open: Tue-Sun 11am-5pm
Admission: 7 euros

If you're not interested in actually visiting the museum, the building alone is worth a detour. The museum is located in the modern area of Maastricht, Centre Ceramique, and this really comes through in the design. The building was designed in 1995 by the Italian architect Aldo Rossi. He created an E shaped building. But the main feauture of the museum is the 28 meters high tower. Because of it's round shapes and use of steal, it looks like a rocket.

The Bonnefanten Museum is the biggest museum in Maastricht. It specialised in art, both moderns and classic. The modern art collections consists of paintings and sculptures of internation artists. But also other objects such as furniture and videos. There is also a section on classical Italian painters and Dutch wood sculptures from the middle ages. The classical art section also has a part of the Rijksmuseum Collection. They have done this because the Rijksmuseum is currently being renovated.

The museum is opened every day from 11 to 5, except for mondays. Admission is 7 Euros for adults.

I have completely forgotten the name of this American (or Canadian?) painter. Can anyone help? I liked it. His theme was that concrete and buildings destroy nature but in his paintings you see the trees taking over.

If you stand against the wall in the lowest room, with your face against the wall, and someone else does too on the opposite side, then you can whisper against the wall and the other person can hear it.
It also gives a great effect if you sing in the middle. Because the other rooms on top will reflect your voice and it sounds as if you are singing quatro voce on your own!

Bonnefantenmuseum

Very nice collections of:
pottery/ceramics/sculpture
religious art/religion/magic art
paintings (1600-1850)
paintings (before 1600)
paintings (after 1850)

Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 17:00 hrs.

Entrance fees
Adults € 7,00
Children (13 - 18 incl.) € 2,50
Children ( - 12 incl.) f.o.c.