The Maastricht Treaty

Maastricht Museum presents an extensive exhibition on the Maastricht Treaty, a milestone in European history. Visitors are transported to a time when the foundations of the European Union were laid. Take a seat at the table where the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance of the first Member States signed the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, a

historic act that paved the way for a new era of European cooperation and the introduction of the euro.

The exhibition shines a spotlight on the many venues that played an important role during the Euro Summit in Maastricht. Visit the Gouvernement on the Maas, the epicentre of negotiations, where European leaders met to take important decisions on economic and financial issues, as well as broader topics such as migration, fighting crime, and defence. Explore the caves of Neercanne, where Queen Beatrix showed her support for European integration by etching her signature on a marlstone wall, a symbolic act that is still regarded as an important moment today.

In addition to the venues themselves, there are many fascinating objects on exhibit here, such as the bronze commemorative medallion designed by Arthur Spronken and Ceulen’s iconic stick of chalk. Each of these items tells a story of unity and cooperation The exhibition also brings the people and events of the Euro Summit to life, from the political meetings at City Hall to the exuberant celebration in Market Square.

Visitors are also encouraged to think about the future of the EU and share their own ideas and answers to questions such as: ‘Would you sign the Maastricht Treaty?’ or ‘What are some issues on which you think the EU should be focusing?’.

In 2018, the Maastricht Treaty was awarded the European Heritage Label in recognition of its huge importance to European history and identity. Studio Europa Maastricht is bringing the treaty to life through numerous creative projects for a unique glimpse into the history of Europe and the role played by Maastricht in this.