Private photography museum in the Spaans Gouvernement on Maastricht's Vrijthof square, with major special exhibitions of international photographers.
September 19, 2026 – January 31, 2027
Retrospective of the American photojournalist Eve Arnold, the first female member of Magnum, with around 130 photographs, mainly from the 1950s to the 1970s – from Marilyn Monroe and Malcolm X to travel reportages.
From August 4, 2026
Collage-like imagery by the Maastricht artist and poet Aurelle, moving between photography, found objects and nature; according to the museum, on view until October 2026.
The museum is housed in the Spaans Gouvernement, probably the oldest surviving residential building in Maastricht. Originally a canon's house within the immunity of Sint-Servaas, the building is first mentioned in 1333; later the Dukes of Brabant used it as a lodging, and Charles V and Philip II stayed here several times. The late Gothic windows bearing the coat of arms of Charles V on the square side and the colonnade in the Liège Renaissance style facing the courtyard date from this period. In the 18th and 19th centuries the house served as the residence of the military governor.
After an auction in 1913, Victor de Stuers saved the building from demolition and donated it to the city. Following a restoration, the Museum Spaans Gouvernement opened here in 1973, initially showing the art and antiques collection of the Wagner-De Wit couple, with period rooms, paintings and Maastricht silver. From 2010 to 2012 the building was expanded to include the neighboring house at Papenstraat 2, a covered courtyard with a museum café and a new exhibition hall; the focus shifted to special exhibitions.
Since September 2019 the museum has been devoted exclusively to photography. It is run by a private foundation without government subsidies and presents major solo exhibitions of well-known photographers, complemented by the "Kamer 13" room for regional talent and projects such as the "Buurtfotografiemuseum" featuring Maastricht neighborhoods.
| Adults | €14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6.50CJP cardholders |
| Children & teens | €7free up to age 7 · Children up to and including age 7 free, ages 8 to 18 €7. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount mentioned. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –People with disabilities and their companions pay the regular price; an exception for companions of visitors who cannot visit the museum independently is possible by prior arrangement. |
| Students & apprentices | €7 |
| Groups (15+ people) | €13 per personPer person for groups of 15 or more; guided tour €40 per guide (max. 15 people) plus admission. Please announce group visits without a guided tour in advance. |
Free with the Museumkaart, Museumkidskaart, ICOM card and VriendenLoterij VIP card (one ticket per card), unless an exhibition surcharge applies in exceptional cases. Tickets online or at the ticket desk; card or credit card payment only, no cash. The Museumkaart is not sold at the museum.
All museum rooms can be reached by elevator with a rollator, wheelchair or mobility scooter; accessible restroom available. No loaner wheelchairs.
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
|---|
Children up to age 7 get in free; the program occasionally includes free hands-on activities for children.
Located on the Vrijthof in central Maastricht; for public transport connections, the museum refers visitors to 9292.nl.
Paid parking
No dedicated parking; the Q-Park Vrijthof parking garage is right in front of the building, with further options via Maastricht Bereikbaar.
Grand Café Maastricht Soiron serves as the museum café in the covered courtyard overlooking the Vrijthof (coffee, Limburg vlaai, lunch; dogs allowed there). No museum shop, but photo books related to the exhibitions are usually on sale. Cloakroom and lockers at your own risk.
The Grand Café's multipurpose room can be rented in the evenings for parties, receptions, meetings and anniversaries; book directly through the Grand Café (info@soiron.nl, +31 43 325 1496).
Inquiries & details| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography without flash for private use is allowed, without other visitors in the picture; professional shoots by prior arrangement. |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups on request (max. 15 people per guide, €40 plus admission). Tickets do not need to be bought online in advance. Dogs are not allowed in the museum rooms. |
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