From March 2026 onwards, these carillon figures will receive their first major maintenance since their installation in 1994. During these works the figures have been temporarily removed and will therefore not be visible for approximately three months.
The origin of the carillon
The bells of the carillon were donated to the city of Roermond in 1982 by various companies and private individuals. The initiative came from the Junior Chamber, based on an idea by Hans Cremers. In 1994 the carillon received a special addition. On 2 September that year the figures that move around the tower were unveiled. This group of figures was created on the initiative of the Stadsbeiaard Foundation.
The carillon and how it is played
The Roermond carillon consists of 49 bells spread over four octaves, with a total weight of about 1700 kilograms. The instrument can play automatically but can also be played by hand. Every Saturday from 12.30 to 13.30 the carillonneur plays the carillon live using a traditional baton keyboard.
Figures around the tower
When the carillon plays automatically using programmed music, a group of figures rotates around the tower every hour. Among them are architect Dr Cuypers, a tailor, a jester, a papermaker, bishop Van Hoensbroeck, an organ grinder, a blacksmith and Empress Maria Theresa. Each figure refers to a moment or person from the history of Roermond (The figures have been temporarily removed for maintenance and are expected to be out of view for about three months).
The carillon of the town hall is therefore not only a musical element in the city, but also a visible piece of history high above the square.