The museum houses the original type specimen of the Mosasaurus, the first mosasaur ever scientifically described.
The building complex dates back to the 17th century and once served as the monastery of the Croisiers.
The botanical garden features a rare 'chalk grassland' habitat, which is an endangered ecosystem in the Netherlands.
The institution maintains a significant collection of local butterflies and beetles, representing the biodiversity of the southern Netherlands.
The museum's collection contains thousands of specimens, many of which were donated by local amateur naturalists over the past century.
The Natural History Museum of Maastricht is located within a former monastery building in the Jekerkwartier district. It specializes in the geology, flora, and fauna of the Limburg region. The museum houses a significant collection of Cretaceous fossils, including remains of the Mosasaurus hoffmannii discovered in the nearby St. Pietersberg quarry. A key feature is the 'Limburg's Stone' display, which illustrates the region's geological evolution over millions of years. The museum complex includes an enclosed botanical garden containing plant species specific to the local chalk landscape. It serves as a regional research center for the paleontological and biological study of the Meuse valley. The exhibition space is integrated into the architecture of the historic monastery, maintaining original vaulted ceilings and structural layouts.
The interior courtyard and the botanical garden feature unique architecture and plant life.
Visit the interior botanical garden to see local plant species that are often difficult to spot in the wild.
Prioritize the fossil gallery if you have limited time, as it contains the museum's most scientifically significant specimens.
Take time to notice the architectural details of the former monastery building, which are integrated into the display layout.
Do not overlook the small, shaded botanical garden tucked behind the main exhibition halls.
Closed on Mondays.
