On Saturday, 12 December 2026, join us for the walking tour ‘The Zinc Identity of Maastricht – Making the Invisible Material Visible’.
Maastricht is home to a surprising amount of zinc, if you know where to look. Follow in the footsteps of the zinc white workers who went on strike and discover remarkable examples of zinc architecture, both old and new, hidden in unexpected places and beyond the usual routes.
We are situated on the edge of one of Europe's most important historic zinc-producing regions. Once upon a time, a narrow strip of Belgium stretching from Liège along the border to the town of Kelmis was entirely shaped by zinc mining and processing during the 19th and 20th centuries. Maastricht also benefited from this industry and had its own notorious zinc white factory, the Zinkwit Maatschappij, where inhumane working conditions were commonplace.
Yet zinc can still be found in the streets of Maastricht, in the most unexpected places. Often overlooked, but always striking once you know what to look for.
Distance: 6.5 km
Duration: 2 hours
Practical Information
The walking tours cost €7. Participation is free for Museumkaart holders.
We kindly ask you to register in advance by emailing **info@bureau-europa.nl**. Please specify which walking tour you would like to join.
All walking tours start at 12:15 pm. Your ticket also includes admission to the museum.
Location: Bureau Europa, Platform for Architecture and Design
Date: Saturday, 12 December 2026, at 12:15 pm
Language: Dutch
Participation and Responsibility
We organise our walking tours and outdoor activities with care and attention. However, participation is at your own risk and responsibility. Bureau Europa cannot be held responsible for circumstances such as weather conditions, personal fitness or other situations that may arise outside the premises. We therefore ask participants to assess for themselves whether the activity is suitable for them and to ensure they are adequately prepared.