Cuypers was born in Roermond, the son of a church painter, and grew up in surroundings in which his interest for art was encouraged.
He was taught by Frans-Andries Durlet, Frans Stoop and Ferdinand Berckmans, all pioneers of the neo-Gothic architecture in Belgium.
Cuypers' ecclesiastical work was initially strongly influenced by 13th century French architecture and by the writings of his friends Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and J.
Cuypers built many churches throughout the Netherlands, in which the French influence played a prominent role.
An early example of this is the extensive restoration of the Munster Church in Roermond, where Cuypers replaced original towers with new ones.
From 1875 he led the restoration of the eastern front of the Mainz Cathedral, which he executed according to his own plans in Romanesque style.