Schatkamer van Sint-Catharina

About the museum

The Treasury of Sint-Catharina is located in the crypt of the Sint-Catharinakerk and displays the church treasures of Maaseik. Its best-known piece is the Codex Eyckensis, the oldest illuminated manuscript in Belgium, which is currently on temporary loan to the Maurits Sabbe Library of KU Leuven for international research. There are also Anglo-Saxon textiles, which are among the oldest surviving religious vestments in Europe, medieval manuscripts and relics, the reliquaries of Harlindis and Relindis, and masterpieces by Frederik Malders (1593–1662) and Henri Flémal (1624–1686). Many pieces have been recognised as “Vlaams Topstuk” (Flemish masterpiece).

After a thorough restoration, the Anglo-Saxon textiles and the Codex Eyckensis returned to Maaseik in 1994, where they were displayed in specially designed showcases. On 28 March 1994 the city of Maaseik and the church fabric council (kerkfabriek) of Sint-Catharina concluded an agreement on the museum management of the church treasures, which thus became part of the work of Musea Maaseik. The presentation was refreshed in 2010.

After a major renovation the Treasury reopened in 2025 with a contemporary display, atmospheric lighting, clear explanations and interactive multimedia. The Codex Eyckensis can also be viewed online: the manuscript was digitised in very high resolution.

Highlights

• Codex Eyckensis, the oldest illuminated manuscript in Belgium (temporarily in Leuven)
• Anglo-Saxon textiles, among the oldest religious vestments in Europe
• Medieval manuscripts and relics
• Reliquaries of Harlindis and Relindis
• Work by Frederik Malders and Henri Flémal
• Renewed presentation with interactive multimedia in the crypt

Permanent exhibition

• Schatkamer van Sint-Catharina – In the renovated crypt, Anglo-Saxon textiles, relics, reliquaries and silverwork show the religious treasures of Maaseik, with interactive multimedia.

Operated by

Stad Maaseik (Musea Maaseik)

Admission & discounts

The ticket is always a combined ticket and gives access to the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Discovery Cellar, the Pharmacy Museum and the Treasury of Sint-Catharina. Free for residents of Maaseik, Neeroeteren and Opoeteren and for holders of the Belgian museum pass, a teacher's card or an ICOM membership.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Treasury is in the crypt, below church floor level, and is not accessible to wheelchair users. The Pharmacy Museum and the Regional Archaeological Museum (RAM) can be reached via the herb garden (Lekkerstraat 5); for this, contact the Tourism desk in advance via visit@maaseik.be or +32 89 81 92 90.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The Treasury is in the crypt of the Sint-Catharinakerk, Grote Kerkstraat 15, within walking distance of the Markt. Tickets are bought at the main counter on Markt 45.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit