Schatkamer Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek
Treasury of the Basilica of Our Lady in Maastricht with reliquaries, a Viking horn, liturgical vestments and church silver spanning eight centuries.
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About the museum
The treasury of the Basilica of Our Lady was assembled over the centuries by the collegiate chapter and later by the parish council. Among the most important early acquisitions was a Byzantine patriarchal cross containing several cross relics, which probably reached Maastricht after the conquest of Constantinople in 1204. A dedicated treasury is first mentioned in the 14th century, but probably existed earlier. The French period brought heavy losses: to cover war levies, the chapter had much gold and silver melted down in the 1790s, and in 1837 the patriarchal cross and the “Constantine Cross” were sent to Rome as a gift to the Pope.
Over time the treasury was housed in various places within the church, most recently in the cloister and in an annex built next to the cloister in 1968. Access leads from the north transept of the basilica into the cloister. In 1992 the treasury reopened after being refurbished. From 2022 to 2024 it was closed for renovation and a new presentation; it has been accessible again since reopening in May 2024.
Today the collection shows reliquaries of every form, ivory carvings, liturgical vessels, chasubles, church silver from the 18th to the 20th century, as well as paintings and sculptures. A timeline places individual treasures within the history of the city, and a large diorama tells how the miraculous image of Our Lady Star of the Sea (Maria Sterre der Zee) came to the basilica.
Highlights
- Byzantine reliquary casket from the 9th century
- Viking horn with relics of apostles
- Levite's vestment of St Lambertus (9th century)
- Charter of 1325 from Avignon with numerous bishops' seals
- Painting “Jacob's Dream” (16th century)
- Diorama on the history of the miraculous image of Our Lady Star of the Sea
Permanent exhibition
- Kirchenschatz der Liebfrauenbasilika – Reliquaries, liturgical vestments, church silver, paintings and sculptures from eight centuries, with a timeline of the city's history and a diorama on the miraculous image of Our Lady Star of the Sea.
- Operated by
- Parochiefederatie Onze Lieve Vrouw en Sint Pieter
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Children under 12 years free. |
| Students & apprentices | €3 |
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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