Culture

Limburg is a province of considerable cultural diversity. The language spoken there comprises numerous related dialects. Even the tiniest village has its own ensemble or brass band. Limburg's cultural heritage abounds with local marksmanship festivals and numerous folkloric events. Many churches in Limburg are of Romanesque or Gothic origin, often with an astounding array of treasures such as sculpture, vestments. and other religious objects. The many hundreds of road-side crosses and chapels are typical features of Limburg's countryside. The province has a wealth of museums, the most famous being the new Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, the Provincial Museum of Fine Art and Archaeology. designed by the Italian architect Aldo Rossi. Heerlen boasts the Thermen Museum, built on the remains of an ancient Roman bathhouse. The Limburg Museum in Venlo has a general collection of art and cultural objects. Distinctively regional museums can be found in towns such as Weert and Venray. The National Asparagus and Mushroom Museum, De Locht, is in Horst, and the Industrion, the Provincial Museum for Industry and Society, is located at Kerkrade. Limburg has a rich diversity of cultural and folkloric events. Among the most famous are the World Music Competitiön in Kerkrade, the Intemational Folklore Festival in Brunssum. The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) in Maastricht. and the Passion Plays in Tegelen.