History Muziekgieterij

MBO_6202a

The Muziekgieterij was founded in 2004. Because of the Kombi (youth society) closing in 1987, a large part of the Maastricht popscene was rehearsing under poor conditions in the old Ceylon factory at the Sandersweg in Maastricht. In 2004, this led to the first written business plan, which was the starting point for the present Stichting de Muziekgieterij.

In 2007, in consultation with and thanks to the help of the municipality, the foundation could accommodate itself (anti-squat) in the old L1 building at the Bankastraat. The first physical plans were deployed. That year, the Muziekgieterij got off to a flying start with its 3 rehearsal rooms, 1 DJ laboratory, 1 studio, 1 club (cap. 250 visitors) and 1 festival.
From far and wide, musicians and visitors made their way to this new cultural venue, where different movements in music were brought together from the beginning, both in production as well as presentation. Due to overwhelming success and in agreement with the municipality, the Muziekgieterij took the next step in 2009. The Muziekgieterij was included in the cultural policy of the city and a subsidiary relationship with the municipality arose. The Muziekgieterij took this new assignment and responsibility very seriously. In 2012, the number of visitors and the production frequency grew so high that they caused considerable disturbance within the Mariaberg district. Therefore, the Muziekgieterij inevitably had to cease its activities and the doors of the Bankastraat closed in June 2012.

In March 2013, the Muziekgieterij was temporarily based in the Timmerfabriek (part of the old Sphinx factories). The foundation was given the opportunity to continue both the venue function, as well as the office function at this location. The production function however was not yet feasible at that time, due to the infrastructure of the building and, in consultation with the municipality, the production function was put on hold. In the beautiful historical building, while awaiting the relocation to the new Muziekgieterij, a 650-person capacity concert hall was exploited with minimal resources, a high level of creativity and in close collaboration with the municipality. From day one, established names performed alongside up-and-coming talent and emerging movements were given the opportunity to reach a broad audience. The diversity in programming and audience, combined with the exceptional location, ensured the Muziekgieterij in becoming a household name throughout the region, permanently locating at the Timmerfabriek after a flying start.

In 2017, the pop culture received the municipal appreciation and recognition, so renovation and construction of the new Muziekgieterij (design by Maurer United) began at the Timmerfabiek. The official opening took place in September 2019, providing the city of Maastricht with a fully-fledged professional pop music venue, fitted with 6 rehearsal rooms, 1 studio, 1 foyer and 2 clubs with a capacity of 1100 and 420 visitors.

Following Lumière Cinema, the transformation of the Eiffel building intoThe Student Hotel and the arrival of Loods 5, the Muziekgieterij offers yet another important boost to the development of the Sphinxkwartier.

Scroll naar boven