The Santa Monica Pier is where classic seaside charm meets California cool. Home to Pacific Park’s solar-powered Ferris wheel, it’s a spot where kids chase thrills on carnival rides while visitors of all ages take in sweeping ocean views. Street performers, local vendors, and the occasional fisherman lined up along the railings give the pier its lively, unpolished character. Just steps away, the Heal the Bay Aquarium highlights local marine life, and history buffs can snap a photo at the Route 66 "End of the Trail" sign.

‘This is where the cultural, creative, and enterprising urban district Sphinx will arise.’ So reads the ambition behind the plans for the development of the Sphinx area. Plans focus on the place where Maastricht’s industrial revolution began. It was here that Petrus Regout built his ‘Sphinx Factory,’ the start of what grew into an enormous industry, producing bathroom fixtures, tiles, and the products that made Maastricht great. The factory operated until 2006, and since then efforts have been under way to redevelop this area as a district that fits in with the city, but as something Maastricht does not already have. That’s why this district is being designed to attract creative types, young residents, national and international students, and expatriates. It will be internationally oriented, with room for flexible space and temporary functions. Where this area is going is becoming clearer and clearer, in things like the arrival of the pop music stage in a former sawmill, and the newly opened Brandweer(kantine), with workspaces and meeting places for creative entrepreneurs. But not everything in this part of the city is new and different. The historic and picturesque river harbour ‘t Bassin, adjacent to the Sphinx area, makes a perfect buffer for the transition from the more familiar and better known Maastricht to this new part of town.

A day to remember at the museum. Children will discover a treasure trove of experiences at the Kindermuseum FRida & freD in the Augarten park, where exhibitions are developed with children and for children. Their motto is “Hands On – Minds On”: telling stories for 3- to 12-year-olds in the tangible form of experiments and objects. Touch, whisper, cuddle, listen, twist and try things out – anything’s allowed. Complex connections are explained in a child-friendly way.