Visiting the Natural History Museum Maastricht

Visiting Maastricht in January. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and for the most part the weather was overcast but dry. 
That is until I entered Maastricht proper, because then it really started pouring with rain. By the time I reached the Natural History Museum it was raining so hard I couldn't even take a picture of the entrance, so you'll have to make do with my description.

Crossing the Meuse on the Hooge Brug (high bridge)

The museum is reached by walking along the old city wall and turning onto a small square, surrounded by old but post-medieval buildings. The entrance itself is at the end of a dead-end street, which gradually narrows as you move along it.

The 14th century city wall

It didn't look very inviting, in fact the heavy metal double doors looked like a particularly foreboding service entry. The doors are covered in unevenly beaten metal, with large doorhandles that are probably meant to invoke stalactites, but look more like the heads of Skeksis. Evil bird-creatures from the Dark Crystal. 

For a moment I stood there in the pouring rain, wondering if this really could be the entrance to the museum. But when I pulled on the handle the door swung open smoothly, and I stepped into a warm and welcoming museum that belied it's ominous external appearance.

The NHMM on a sunny day (from their website)

Up next: The various displays in the museum, starting with the Dutch Dinosaur.