Passion Points: Arts/Culture

Maastricht VIP Trip with Art + Auction Text Size A A A
A private visit to the castle of legendary collector Axel Vervoordt is just one of the behind-the-scenes activities planned for a special journey to TEFAF next March. The European Fine Art Fair, known as TEFAF, in Holland’s Maastricht, is the most important—and largest—arts and antiques fair in the world. Every spring art connoisseurs descend upon Maastricht, the oldest town in the Netherlands for the ten-day event. Two-hundred-forty dealers from fifteen countries exhibit their finest wares. There’s always a strong contingent of Old Masters specialists and an ever-growing group of antiques experts, whose offerings range from fine jewelry and silver to tapestries and ancient Asian ceramics.
Even long-time TEFAF veterans avow that its size can be overwhelming, and oftentimes visitors get so caught up in the fair that they don’t leave enough time to explore beyond—a missed opportunity considering the treasures in the area. Next spring (March 16-20), art aficionados can join a special VIP journey sponsored by Art + Auction magazine, to gain behind-the-scenes access and explore the extraordinary cultural offerings in Amsterdam, Maastricht and vicinity.
The four-day itinerary kicks off in Amsterdam, where travelers will learn about the city’s history and architecture, take a scholar-led tour of the Rembrandt house, visit artists’ studios, dine at the city’s top restaurants and hear about exciting upcoming projects from local curators, designers and architects. From Amsterdam, the group transfers to Maastricht (about a two-hour drive), where travelers will attend the fair and meet with top dealers, as well as visit an impressive private collection of contemporary Dutch art, partake in a unique walking-dining tour of Maastricht (each course is served at a different restaurant) and be invited to the castle of legendary collector Axel Vervoordt.
Of course, there will be plenty of time to explore TEFAF, with experts on hand to help navigate the almost 300,000 square foot of exhibition space. Among the highlights on the block this year: Black stallion and His Groom, from the early 17th century, by the Dutch artist Roelandt Savery; a rare Meissen figurine by Johann Joachim Kändler; and Vita Christi, an illuminated manuscript from the 16th century. But the best part will be discovering unexpected treasures and traveling with like-minded art connoisseurs who can provide access, context and—above all—cultural enrichment.
Price from 2,805 euros ($3,500) includes accommodations at the Pulitzer Hotel in Amsterdam and the Kruisheren Hotel in Maastricht as well as all meals detailed on the itinerary, guides, entrance fees, transportation and tips. 705 euro single supplement applies. For more information, including a provisional itinerary, and to book, call 212-988-2611 or email us at info@indagare.com.
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