With its rocket-shaped cupola overlooking the river Maas, it is one of Maastricht's most prominent modern buildings.

The department of old masters is located on the first floor and displays highlights of early Italian, Flemish and Dutch painting.

The collection of historic paintings and sculptures of the Bonnefanten Museum consists of four main sections: Since Alexander van Grevenstein became director in 1986, the Bonnefanten Museum has focused mainly on contemporary art.

The main focus of the permanent collection is on: The collection also features video art and room-size installations by younger artists: Atelier Van Lieshout, Francis Alÿs, David Claerbout, Patrick Van Caeckenbergh, Roman Signer, Franz West, Pawel Althamer.

The result was that the Eyck collection of postwar art and the castle of Wijlre and its grounds, are now part of the museum.