Bonbonnière Summary

The iconic Bonbonnière is reopening after such a long time. The Bonbonnière was built in 1606 as a monastery church for the Jesuits (Society of Jesus), who chose Maastricht as their first permanent settlement in the Netherlands in 1575 and opened the Jesuit College in Maastricht. This monastery was designed by architect Peter Huyssens, who had joined the Jesuits and entered this monastery a few years earlier. From 1788 onwards, the former Jesuit church was converted into a municipal theatre. The theatre hall was built in Baroque style, with a domed painted ceiling, the Rococo stucco work of the old church ceiling, round balconies with decorative stucco work and lots of red plush.

During Open Monument Days, there is a lot to see and do here. We want to give as many interested people as possible the opportunity to visit. That is why we work with time slots with the maximum capacity of 650 people, where everyone can look around and participate for an hour and a half. At the end of the time slot, you will be asked to leave the building quickly so that a new group can enter. Please cooperate and always follow the instructions of the security guards and our hosts/hostesses.

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Programme: 

• Simultaneous performances in the Redoutezaal and the Theaterzaal with well-known companies. This programme is shown below. 

• In the White Room on the first floor, there is a special exhibition by the university library about the remarkable history of this church and the influence of the Jesuits in Maastricht. This former monastery is the origin of the important special collection of Maastricht University Library, the Jesuit library with no fewer than 250,000 volumes. The exposition also focuses on the building as a theater in the 19th and 20th century and its use during World War II. For example, there is a portrait of Marlene Dietrich (painted by Charles Eyck). Dietrich performed at the Bonbonnière for American soldiers in 1944 or 1945.

• In the Olterdissen foyer on the first floor, a compilation of performances from the opera “Kaptein vaan Köpenick” and the “Veldeke Vastelaovends Cabbarèt” will be shown continuously.

• There is a digital tour; there are columns with a QR code at a number of locations. If you scan them, you will receive background information. This concerns the exterior of the building, the Grand Theater Café and the three halls. 

• The Grand Theater Café is open, where drinks can be consumed. Drinks may not be consumed outside the café. 

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De Bonbonnière lives up to its name during the Open Monument Days weekend (13 and 14 September).
With a program full of Maastricht artists and ensembles, the former city theatre truly becomes a jar filled with all kinds of treats.

“Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign and contributions from the municipality and various funds, De Bonbonnière can once again come alive. We will embrace the rich past without losing sight of the present. It will be a balanced and beautiful mix of classical, nostalgic, and contemporary. In short: the true Mestreechter taol (Maastricht dialect) and culture for young and old, for children, students, and expats,” says Ad Veenhof on behalf of the organization.

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From classical music to puppet theatre
On Saturday, the Mestreechter Operètte Vereiniging opens the program with a medley from the successful productions Kapitein vaan Köpenick and Trijn de Begijn. Also performing that Saturday at De Bonbonnière are the Tuna Universitaria de Maastricht, musicians from Philzuid, and soloists from the Maastricht Conservatory. The legendary puppeteer Ruben Komkommer will set up his puppet theatre in the Redoute to give performances.

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Sunday program
On Sunday morning, visitors can quietly explore the monumental building. In the afternoon, there will be performances by Maos & Neker, Avanti, Jan Janssen, John Tana, Madieke Schoots, and Frank Steijns.

As is known, De Bonbonnière has been closed to the public for quite some time. Inspections have been carried out, and no unusual risks were found. The building has been prepared as best as possible for these Open Days, but please be careful—especially on the stairs and near the doors—as you enter at your own risk, and no liability is accepted.

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Program Saturday 13 September

Redoute Hall

• 11:00 – Nandi van Beurden and Rob Mennen
• 13:00 – Philzuid
• 15:00 – Ruben Komkommer
• 17:00 – Ruben Komkommer

Theatre Hall

• 11:00 – Mestreechter Operètte Vereiniging
• 13:00 – Tuna Universitaria de Maastricht
• 15:00 – Soloists from Conservatorium Maastricht
• 17:00 – Soloists from Conservatorium Maastricht

Program Sunday 14 September

Redoute Hall

• 13:00 – Avanti
• 15:00 – Maos & Neker, Avanti, and Jan Janssen
• 17:00 – Madieke Schoots and Frank Steijns

Theatre Hall

• 13:00 – Maos & Neker
• 15:00 – John Tana
• 17:00 – Tuna Universitaria de Maastricht

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For those who have difficulty walking, the lift is out of service. As a result, only the Redoutezaal and the Grand Theater Café are accessible.

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Furthermore, there  is also a temporary bicycle parking facility available at OLV Wal for visitors to the Bonbonnière.