Now available: book exploring material heritage UM

11 June 2026

A new book explores Maastricht University's past through fifty objects. Fifty: An ‘Objective’ History of Maastricht University can be purchased for €22.50 from Boekhandel Dominicanen and De Tribune.

The book was written by Bart Zwegers, a lecturer at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He sheds light on objects that are closely linked to UM’s academic heritage, such as the Rector Magnificus’s chain of office, as well as items you might not immediately associate with the university’s history.

Across the decades

Fifty is not arranged chronologically.You can open it at any page and discover something new about the university’spast. Each of the fifty objects is accompanied by a photograph and a story byZwegers, ranging from an eighteenth-century book to a piece of COVID-19 barriertape.

Want to find out more? Read the interview with Bart Zwegers.

Limited edition UM50-merchandise

Alongside the book, limited-edition UM50 merchandise is now available. Celebrate UM’s50th anniversary in style! Visit the webshop or the Student Services Centre at Bonnefantenstraat 2 in Maastricht.

Author Bart Zweegers

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