Bonnefanten Museum

Bonnefanten Museum is an art museum in Maastricht housed in a modernist building designed by Italian architect Aldo Rossi, recognizable by its distinctive rocket-shaped cupola. The structure sits along the Meuse River and contains galleries displaying paintings, sculptures, and contemporary works across multiple floors.

The museum was established in 1884 as a historical collection documenting the region's past and artistic heritage. In 1995 it relocated to its current modernist building, marking a major shift toward displaying contemporary art alongside classical works.

The collection reflects how art evolved across different periods and regions, with works from Italy, Flanders, and contemporary movements displayed throughout the galleries. Visitors encounter paintings, sculptures, and installations that show changing artistic approaches over time.

The museum is accessible by foot or public transport from Maastricht's city center and features multiple levels to explore. Plan for at least a few hours to view the galleries at a comfortable pace without rushing through the collections.

The museum's name comes from a former convent that housed the collection for several decades before the 1995 relocation. This name persists today even though the collection now sits in a completely different architectural setting along the river.