Our story

Maastricht has a long theatre tradition that originated in French professional theatre in the second half of the 17th century. A wooden tent on the Market Square – and later a converted riding school on the Jekerstraat – served as a theatre for French soldiers. Theatre only became a civic affair with the conversion of the Jesuit Church into the Bonbonnière as a municipal theatre. Since 1992, Maastricht's theatre has been located in the former Generaalshuis on the Vrijthof.

Theater aan het Vrijthof offers a theatre programme that is both widely accessible and artistically exciting for residents of Maastricht, the wider region and sometimes far beyond. Our programming responds to Maastricht's unique position as provincial capital, for example by showcasing performances by professional and amateur companies based here, performances by students from the Conservatory and Toneelacademie, and events organised by Maastricht University. We are the proud producer of Festival Musica Sacra and partner and festival heart of the Nederlandse Dansdagen and other leading events in the city, such as André Rieu's Vrijthof concerts and TEFAF. 

Together with our cultural partners, we are an important connecting point in the city. We refer to it as our theatre, but at the same time, Theater aan het Vrijthof belongs to everyone. Not only to us, but also to visitors, the people of Maastricht, the city and the (European) region. After all, the theatre is that accessible and welcoming place where it's all about “togetherness”. About meeting, dialogue, contact, reflection, inspiration, innovation and so much more. The environment in which we find ourselves is constantly changing. It is important that we continue to respond to these changes by being alert, continuing to develop and adapt.

Theater aan het Vrijthof is a lively and vibrant meeting place where the doors are always open. 

Our vision is: 
Theatre serves and sharpens the mind and soul of the city

Based on this idea, our mission is:
Theatre enlightens