Marres organizes a wide variety of exhibitions and activities. Its exhibitions encompass immersive exhibitions, solo projects and young talent shows. In addition, the institute develops workshops, trainings and publications, as well as walking tours, picnics and a range of online activities.
One signature series is Training the Senses, a monthly workshop to explore sensory knowledges with scientists, scholars and artists. Marres further opens its house to productions by young makers in various academies, co-organizes Museum Night Maastricht, sends performances to the Carnaval, serves as an annual location for the FASHIONCLASH Festival, and is active at a range of other festivals, including Bruis in Maastricht and Zomerparkfeesten in Venlo.