NETHERLANDS GUIDE

Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2019 | The Ultimate Destination
Endlich Antiquairs,” reveals Mees.
Koopman Rare Art brings another unique
piece: The Shield of Achilles by Philip
Rundell. And you certainly must not
miss the portrait of Frédéric Maurice
de La Tour, the 17th-century Governor
of Maastricht, exhibited by The Weiss
Gallery.
The exhibition in the MECC is far from the
only highlight. Before, during and after
TEFAF, the city of Maastricht is buzzing
with expositions, art installations, theatre
and music. Take the visual arts haven the
Bonnefanten Museum, for instance. Besides
their own amazing collection, the
museum is running the exposition Someone
in my house by American artist David
Lynch, which can be visited until 28 April.
Vrijthof
One of the most famous places in
Maastricht is the Vrijthof square in the
middle of the old city. Throughout the
year and especially during TEFAF, this
is the place where you find everything
from amazing food and drinks, to
performances at the Theatre on the
Vrijthof, where during TEFAF there are
various dance and classical music
recitals, including shows by the South
Netherlands Philharmonic and the
Maastricht Conservatory.
Across the theatre on the Vrijthof you
will find another of Maastricht’s historical
gems: the 11th-century Basilica of Saint
Servatius, named after the first bishop
of the country. This is one of the oldest
churches of the Netherlands. Besides the
amazing chapel, the basilica also holds
a treasure room, containing the shrine
in which Saint Servatius has his final resting
place.
Just around the corner there is a vibrant
shopping centre with well-known
high street shops, as well as independent
boutiques. There, you will also find
Dominicanen, the most unique book
shop in the world, situated in the former
Dominican church. “Even if you are not
out looking for books, it is an absolute
treat to stroll through the store and drink a
cup of coffee there.” Strolling through the
cultural quarter ‘Sphinx kwartier’ and the
Frontenpark are also an absolute must.
“Maastricht and TEFAF create special
encounters between people with a love
of art, culture and the beautiful things in
life. And they can fully enjoy themselves
during, before or after their visit to the
TEFAF.” The city and surrounding region
are always brimming with high-profile exhibitions,
theatre and music productions,
breathtaking dance performances and
special events. “The perfect place to relax
and enjoy culture, art and life.”
Web: www.tefafandthecity.com
Theater aan het Vrijthof. Photo: Alina Frieske
Bonnefantenmuseum. Photo: David Lynch
Theater aan het Vrijthof.
Photo: Conservatorium Maastricht
Theater aan het Vrijthof. Photo: Arno Paul
TEFAF. Photo: Loraine Bodewes
Issue 62 | February 2019 | 55