Article from “Heuvelland Vandaag”, September 19, 2025 Translation by Diana D. Le City Council decides in November 2025: plans for André Rieu Experience in Bonbonnière on hold The future of La Bonbonnière, the historic theater [built around 1788] on Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, remains uncertain for the time being. The municipality has set aside €30 million for the building over the coming decades, but the city council will not decide on its future use until November. The monument, which served as the city theater for many years, has been largely vacant for years [since August 2019]. The municipality is working on behalf of the council to develop various scenarios, ranging from structural repairs to public rental. One important option is that, after renovation, the building will be opened up to interested parties via a registration procedure. André Rieu Experience Center In the meantime, ideas have already been put forward by entrepreneurs and cultural players. One of the plans is for a so-called André Rieu Experience Center, which would combine exhibitions, concert recordings, and catering. This proposal was submitted by entrepreneurs Marc Hermans and Patrick Volders, but is not currently being actively pursued by the municipality. Only when the council opts for the public rental scenario can such a plan be officially submitted and assessed. Hermans compares the idea to Graceland in Memphis, Elvis Presley's former home, which has become a world-class tourist attraction. He believes Maastricht could honor its most famous resident in a similar way. The experience center would not only be a tribute to Rieu, but also an international attraction that could draw thousands of visitors to the city every year. House of the City The Bonbonnière is significant not only because of its rich history and architecture, but also because of its central location in the city. In addition to the municipality, the university, entrepreneurs, and funds are also involved in thinking about the future through the Friends of the Bonbonnière committee. They would like to see the building develop into a House of the City, a place for meeting and culture. Making a decision The city council must make a decision in November. Until then, the initiators will remain in anticipation of which scenario will be chosen. Only then will there be clarity about the possibilities for new uses for the monument.

Chapeau Magazine: September 13, 2025, by Jo Cortenraedt Bonbonnière Open Weekend. Although the former municipal theater “La Bonbonnière” in Maastricht has been closed since 2019 and awaits a new purpose, the people of Maastricht still hold this building dear. This became clear at the start of the Heritage Open Days, when La Bonbonnière occasionally reopens its doors. And lines of people immediately formed outside, mainly locals who came to reminisce about their cherished memories. What was once a Jesuit church was transformed into a theater at the end of the 18th century. Initially, only for the French garrison and their distinguished entourage. At that time, only French and dialect were spoken in the city, not yet Dutch. Over two hundred years ago, even Napoleon attended a performance in this beautiful, ornately decorated theater, which is decorated in French style. Over the years, the building was regularly renovated, but it eventually became too small to function as the main city theater. In the 1980s, the larger Theater aan het Vrijthof was opened. Smaller performances and the usual parties were held in the Bonbonnière. However, the building has been empty for years and is in dire need of a thorough renovation. It is owned by the municipality of Maastricht, while a lease is in place with the brewery Heineken. Many discussions and ideas have been discussed, but no definitive solution has yet been found for what will undoubtedly be a costly renovation and repurposing. Many Maastricht residents are eager to embrace the Bonbonnière again. This weekend, visitors can visit the beautiful spaces (halls) such as the Theaterzaal, the Redoute, the Witte (white) Zaal, and the Grand Theater, thanks to an initiative by Ad Veenhof and Mikos Pieters. A variety of performances are scheduled, from Philzuid (orchestra) to John Tana (popsinger). Tickets for Sunday are still available via OMDMaastricht.nl. John Tana is sold out, but you can still enjoy performances by Frank Steijns and Madieke Schoots, known for their performances with André Rieu's Johan Strauss Orchestra.

Annual Heritage Open Days: September 13 and 14, 2025 Maastricht: Monumental theater La Bonbonnière, where André Rieu started his career.