Weekend trip to design city Maastricht
Maastricht is internationally known for the TEFAF - the world’s leading art and antiques fair. On the other 355 days of the year, the city offers enough (modern) art, antiques and architecture. I herewith declare Maastricht the most stylish city of The Netherlands, and the capital of design, art and antiques.
Ideas for an ‘art and antique’ weekend away:
Saturday
Take the train to Maastricht (2h15 from Amsterdam, Starbucks coffee is served on the train). Upon arrival at Maastricht station, stall your luggage at one of the saves.
With the new energy, walk down Lage Barakken to Centre Céramique. I am sure you can leave your luggage at the reception (if you decided to take it along). The Centre Ceramique is the institute in charge of Maastricht’s cultural heritage: art, photography, archeology and cultural history. There are always many exhibitions on display. Don’t miss the Parisian Maquette of the city of Maastricht of around 1748. Centre Céramique, Av. Céramique 50.
Other places on the East-banks of the river Maas to visit (all within 5 mins walk):
- Bureau Europa, Av. Céramique 226. NAiM/Bureau Europa offers exhibitions and other activities in the field of architecture and design from a social point of view. The venue is very internationally oriented, so check out the (English) website with agenda.
- Pont d’Or, Rechtstraat 104. A modern jewelry atelier and shop located in a monumental building. Most likely, the designer and gold/silver smith Danielle Bruggenwerf herself is present in the shop.
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Enclosed design courtyard of Kruisherenhotel.ake a taxi to the Kruisherenhotel for a check in and lunch. On sunny days, enjoy a lunch on the inner courtyard of this church & monastry with the remarkable delirium yum light. Otherwise, go up to the mezzanine and have culinary experience mid-way up in the choir of a church. Kruisherenhotel, Kruisherengang 19-23.
After lunch, there are several places worth visiting, pending on your cup of tea...
Museum aan het Vrijthof, Vrijthof 18. The Museum aan het Vrijthof displays Maastricht arts and crafts produced over the last five centuries. After intense renovation and redecoration, the museum opens officially on June 1, 2012.
Ut Glaashoes, Wilhelminastingel 67. Be aware, closed on weekends but you can make an appointment for a visit outside regular opening hours! This remarkable glass house is home to a modern art gallery with (sculpture) garden. Behind the gallery, there’s an atelier, where up to 16 artists with a mental disorder can express themselves artistically, and when needed with guidance from professional artists.
Onze Lieve Vrouwe Galerie, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 4. Gallery with expositions of various artists.
Tizia Jewels and Art, Kesselskade 51. Modern design jewelry.
Cecile van Eeden, Rechtstraat 41. Modern design jewelry.
Betty Paanakker, Tafelstraat 1a. Works of brons.
John Laeremans, Herbenusstraat 130.
… or relax on ‘t Vrijthof, the city’s main square, which is lined with terraces on the square borders!
Stay at the Kruisherenhotel, the modern design hotel housed in a church and monastery. It is located in the heart of Maastricht and a true experience not to be missed. More about Kruisherenhotel on Life in Amsterdam >
A glimpse of Maastricht's Looiersgracht.Sunday
Sleep in and enjoy a lush breakfast in the choir of the church of Kruisheren. Don’t you think the stained glass windows with the trees outside is amazing?! Have a relaxing stroll in the linden-tree lined Grote Looiersstraat. On the right of the house at number 23, you’ll find a wall with a wooden door, enter it and discover a rustic Maastricht courtyard dating from 1715. Or admire the house on the river (stream) Jeker, “Huys op den Jeker”, Bonnefantenstraat 5.
Cave room of Chateau Neercanne, Maastricht.At noon, take a taxi to Chȃteau Neercanne located just outside the city between the vineyards and sloping Limburg landscape. On Sundays they have a most unique Scharrellunch, which translates to ‘scratching lunch’. The lunch takes place in a cave room, meaning: a room carved out in a cave. The decoration makes the place romantic, classic and even mystical. At the Scharrel Lunch you are your own host. So, upon arrival help yourself with an aperitif wine (or any of the other beverages available) and take a seat. When the chef is ready, he’ll opens his kitchen doors and your are invited to come and look what he’s made today in the various pots on the stove. Of course, you are free to dish your plate. After the lunch, you’ll be served coffee/tea and a treat. E55 per person, which includes 3-course menu, beverages during lunch, coffee/tea and treat. More about Chȃteau Neercanne, Cannerweg 800.
Prefer to have a lunch in the castle à la carte? Then mention you are from the Life in Amsterdam network upon making a reservation - you'll receive a complimentary welcome drink in the cave or on the terrace!
Before heading back to the station, make a stop at the sculpture garden gallery Door-zicht which is located nearby the chateau. The valleys give an extra romantic edge to the gallery al fresco. On display are the works of Dorine Beusmans, as well as other artists (painting, ceramics and marble). Beeldentuin-galerie Door-Zicht, Pomerollaan 83.
Discover Maastricht in the Summer - a special package
- An overnight stay in design deluxe room of the prestigious Kruisherenhotel Maastricht (see photo right).
- A "heavenly" breakfast in the morning
- The price from € 99.50 per person. Price based on double occupancy in a design Deluxe room.
- Weekend supplement € 20 per person per night. Arrival on Sunday until Thursday a free upgrading in to a Prestige room.
- This package is valid till 31 August 2012. Only a small amount of rooms are available for this special price.
To book click on 'online reservations' (column on the right), call +31 (0)43 329 20 20 or send an e-mail to kruisherenhotel@chateauhotels.nl
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