Maaseiland Museum

About the museum

The Maaseiland Museum shows the history of the "Eiland in de Maas" (island in the Maas) between the Maas and the Oude Maas, to which Stevensweert and Ohé en Laak belong. It opened around 1983 as the Streekmuseum Stevensweert/Ohé en Laak, in the course of the major restoration of the historic town center, and was first housed in the former Protestant church. In 1991 the collection moved into the former municipal building, which stood empty after the municipal reorganization. The building, designed by Pierre Cuypers in 1858, is a Rijksmonument. On May 1, 2026 the museum received its new design and the name Maaseiland Museum.

The collection brings together finds that came to light during dredging works in the Maas, such as a Bronze Age socketed axe, mammoth tusks and a Roman votive altar to Venus from the 2nd century. A replica of the silver-plated Bacchus cup, the Kantharos of Stevensweert, stands in place of the original, which is now in the Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen. There is also a replica of the Sint-Anna-te-Drieën group by Jan van Steffeswert, as well as models of the castles of Stevensweert and Walburg.

Further themes are the fortifications of the town, laid out in 1633, coins of the Counts van den Bergh, which were minted in Stevensweert, and the work of Pierre Cuypers, who among other things designed the municipal building and a tower at Walburg Castle. All rooms are accessible via threshold ramps and an elevator. The museum is a registered museum and is run exclusively by volunteers; guided tours are organized by the friends' association Amici Insulae.

Highlights

• Replica of the Kantharos of Stevensweert, a Roman-era Bacchus cup
• Roman Venus altar and finds from the Maas dredging works
• Models of the castles of Stevensweert and Walburg
• Fortifications, coins of the Counts van den Bergh and works by Jan van Steffeswert
• Building by Pierre Cuypers (1858) and sculpture garden with historic stone objects

Permanent exhibitions

• Het Eiland in de Maas – Archaeological finds from the Maas, coins, models of the castles of Stevensweert and Walburg, fortress history and works by Jan van Steffeswert show the history of Stevensweert and Ohé en Laak.
• Beeldentuin – The sculpture garden displays historic stone objects from Stevensweert, including a kilometer stone from the Maas bank, boundary stones, a column fragment from the former main guardhouse and the memorial stone of the demolished Lourdes grotto.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

The adult price of €5 includes a combi ticket, with which you pay half price for one year at further museums in the region (including Maasbracht, Maaseik, Susteren, Thorn and Echt). Free with Museumkaart and for members of Amici Insulae; adults with proof of participation in a theme walk or bike tour in Stevensweert pay nothing.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 entire museum is accessible for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties via threshold ramps and an elevator to the first floor.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children and young people up to 17 years come in for free. A free search rally leads through the museum and is rewarded with a prize; a second rally through the historic town center costs €2.50.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A2, exit Stevensweert.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books on the history of the Maas island.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Trefcentrum in the same building (approx. 100 m², audiovisual equipment) can be rented for part of a day; inquiries via the administrator, contact details on the "Organisatie" page.

Plan your visit