Art in public spaces at the heart of the 2026 cultural campaign
Maastricht Marketing is systematically committed to positioning Maastricht as a city of art and culture. Culture contributes to the city’s profile and appeal to visitors, residents, talent and businesses. That is why, at the start of the cultural season, art in public spaces is central to the 2026 cultural campaign.
With ‘Beeldschoon Maastricht’, we are highlighting the stories behind some twenty works of art in the historic city centre. This new city walk demonstrates how street art is linked to Maastricht’s history, traditions and identity. In this way, the campaign invites residents and visitors alike to discover the city in a different way.
The city as an open-air museum
On Friday 11 September, we presented ‘Beeldschoon Maastricht’ – A walk past art in public spaces. The route takes you through the historic city centre, past around twenty works of art. Well-known sculptures such as ’t Mooswief on the Markt, Jan Pieter Minckelers, Pieke oet de Stokstraot and the Mestreechter Geis form part of the walk. But religious history, science, carnival, music and everyday life are also explored along the way. In this way, each artwork tells a part of Maastricht’s story.
The route also highlights artists with strong ties to Maastricht, including Charles Vos and Willem Hofhuizen. Works by Arthur Sproncken, Mari Andriessen, Fons Bemelmans and Anna van Kooten, amongst others, are also featured.
If you’d like to find out more about art in public spaces in Maastricht, read the in-depth article at Visit Maastricht.
Stories give meaning to a place
Through ‘Beeldschoon Maastricht’, Maastricht Marketing combines art with storytelling. The sculptures are presented not merely as works of art, but as gateways to broader narratives about Maastricht. Precisely because the works are situated in the very places where history unfolded, these stories take on extra significance. As a result, anyone taking the walk will see familiar streets and squares in a different light. The city centre becomes, as it were, one big open-air museum – free and always accessible.
Wide-ranging campaign
The launch of ‘Beeldschoon Maastricht’ forms the centrepiece of a wider cultural campaign. Through online communication, social media, Reels and targeted media coverage, we are drawing the attention of various target groups to the artworks and the stories behind them. The launch took place on the eve of the Open Monument Days. In this way, the walk ties in with the focus on Maastricht’s monumental and historical heritage, whilst at the same time demonstrating that art in public spaces is also part of that heritage.
The route can be followed independently at your own pace and is available from the Maastricht Store in the Dinghuis and via the online shop.
Visit the Maastricht Store
Collaboration with Maastricht-based creators
The project was realised thanks to the collaboration of Math van Lier (concept), Renée Schmeetz (historical research and texts), Zuiderlicht (design, campaign copy and video) and Stijn Doors (photography).
Find out more at maastrichtiscultuur.nl.
