Mini Maastricht

“The year 1867 wasn’t chosen at random,” explains draughtsman Peter Scheele (74, left). “That’s when the city’s fortifications were removed. After that, Maastricht was able to develop into an industrial city.”

Jan van Dam (78, right in red) is also a draughtsman. “The model measures 5 by 6 metres and is built to a scale of 1:500. That means 1 centimetre on the model represents 5 metres in real life. Everything you see has to be accurate. So far, about a quarter of the model has been completed.”

“Every single building is made by hand,” Peter adds. “Usually from paper, sometimes from wood. No window or roof is standard. We work with old building permits, archive material and historical photographs. Sometimes we spend days on just 1 building.”

The work follows a careful, step-by-step process. Researchers begin by digging through archives. Then draughtsmen create digital drawings on a computer. Only after that does the truly delicate work begin.

“The final builders use tiny knives, tweezers, and very fine brushes for glue and paint,” Jan explains. “You need a steady hand – and a lot of patience.”

Once a section of the city is finished, it is moved to Brouwerij Bosch on Wycker Grachtstraat, where the rest of the model is housed. Visitors can view it during guided tours. “That’s our only source of income to keep the project going,” Peter says.

Many of the volunteers are now getting on in years. “We’re hoping new people will come forward,” Jan says. “This project deserves to be completed.” Peter nods. “What we do goes far beyond model-making. We're helping to shape the history of Maastricht.”