Grote Looiersstraat 17: presentation of the new edition in the Maastricht Silhouet Series
Press release 22 October 2012

The Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht, the UM University Library and ICT Service Centre hereby invite you to attend the book presentation of the Grote Looiersstraat 17. This edition was written by Jos Notermans.
The presentation will, quite fittingly, be held in the building on the Grote Looiersstraat 17 on Thursday 25 October at 16.00.
Programme
We sincerely hope you are able to attend. Registration in advance is appreciated. You can register online or by phone on +31 (0)43 388 5000.
Grote Looiersstraat 17: colourful history
Through unique photographs, this book sketches the history of the building from its original purpose as a poorhouse in 1757 to its successive use as a barracks, a military hospital, a camp for political prisoners, a youth home, and a storage facility for the Natural History Museum. The municipality later extended the back of the building towards the Nieuwenhofstraat to house the city archives and library.
The building is now owned by Maastricht University and has housed the University Library and the ICT Service Centre since 2003. To suit its new purpose, the building underwent a dramatic renovation, with the old facades and the monumental staircase as the only original features preserved. Walls were demolished and a floor was added to transform the somewhat labyrinthine building into the University Library we know today: a light and airy structure that is flooded with daylight thanks to a glass ceiling in the central area. A public thoroughfare was also constructed to give cyclists and pedestrians access to the Nieuwenhofstraat from the Grote Looiersstraat.
In addition to a modern and inviting study environment, the University Library also houses a number of special collections. In 1974, the Jesuit collection laid the foundations for the present-day University Library. The library has since obtained collections from Limburg painter and poet Pierre Kemp and Limburg painter Charles Eyck. More information can be found on the University Library website.
Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht
Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht was founded in 1979 with the aim of providing comprehensive information and documentation to anyone interested in historical monuments or themes specific to Maastricht and Limburg history in an ethical, concise and inexpensive way.
The book Grote Looiersstraat 17 is the 78th edition in the Maastricht Silhouet series. Some previous editions that also covered Maastricht University buildings include:
- Minderbroedersberg
- Nieuwenhof
- Bonnefantenklooster
- Hof van Tilly
Click here for the full series.
More information
Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht
E JaMaa@home.nl
Maastricht University Library
Susanne Snijders,
Communications officer
T 043 388 5021
E s.snijders@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Marketing and Communications Department UM
T 043 388 5222
E pers@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Press release 22 October 2012

The Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht, the UM University Library and ICT Service Centre hereby invite you to attend the book presentation of the Grote Looiersstraat 17. This edition was written by Jos Notermans.
The presentation will, quite fittingly, be held in the building on the Grote Looiersstraat 17 on Thursday 25 October at 16.00.
Programme
- 16.00: Reception and welcome by Ingrid Wijk (Director of the University Library) and Wim Mes (Chair of the Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht)
Introduction by author Jos Notermans
Presentation of first copy to Rein de Wilde (Chair of the UM Art and Heritage Commission) - 16.45: Optional tour of the building with current residents
Closing reception with snacks and drinks
We sincerely hope you are able to attend. Registration in advance is appreciated. You can register online or by phone on +31 (0)43 388 5000.
Grote Looiersstraat 17: colourful history
Through unique photographs, this book sketches the history of the building from its original purpose as a poorhouse in 1757 to its successive use as a barracks, a military hospital, a camp for political prisoners, a youth home, and a storage facility for the Natural History Museum. The municipality later extended the back of the building towards the Nieuwenhofstraat to house the city archives and library.
The building is now owned by Maastricht University and has housed the University Library and the ICT Service Centre since 2003. To suit its new purpose, the building underwent a dramatic renovation, with the old facades and the monumental staircase as the only original features preserved. Walls were demolished and a floor was added to transform the somewhat labyrinthine building into the University Library we know today: a light and airy structure that is flooded with daylight thanks to a glass ceiling in the central area. A public thoroughfare was also constructed to give cyclists and pedestrians access to the Nieuwenhofstraat from the Grote Looiersstraat.
In addition to a modern and inviting study environment, the University Library also houses a number of special collections. In 1974, the Jesuit collection laid the foundations for the present-day University Library. The library has since obtained collections from Limburg painter and poet Pierre Kemp and Limburg painter Charles Eyck. More information can be found on the University Library website.
Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht
Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht was founded in 1979 with the aim of providing comprehensive information and documentation to anyone interested in historical monuments or themes specific to Maastricht and Limburg history in an ethical, concise and inexpensive way.
The book Grote Looiersstraat 17 is the 78th edition in the Maastricht Silhouet series. Some previous editions that also covered Maastricht University buildings include:
- Minderbroedersberg
- Nieuwenhof
- Bonnefantenklooster
- Hof van Tilly
Click here for the full series.
More information
Stichting Historische Reeks Maastricht
E JaMaa@home.nl
Maastricht University Library
Susanne Snijders,
Communications officer
T 043 388 5021
E s.snijders@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Marketing and Communications Department UM
T 043 388 5222
E pers@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Opmerking