The Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme
Image: Frans Ruiter
The Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers to conduct part of their work at the museum. The program aims to support top-tier academic research, strengthen connections between the Rijksmuseum and universities, and foster the exchange of knowledge.
Fellows gain access to the museum’s collections, library, and laboratories, as well as the expertise of its academic staff. They also have the chance to participate in workshops and field trips, enriching their research experience.
The Rijksmuseum welcomes proposals for high-quality research that provide new perspectives on its collection, history, or activities.
RESEARCH FIELDS
The Rijksmuseum offers up to six fellowships for the 2025–2026 academic year across four distinct research fields:
Mellon Fellowship for research in art and cultural history, particularly object-oriented research
Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Fellowship art history research specifically conducted by PhD candidates from the University of Pennsylvania
Johan Huizinga Fellowship historical research on objects from the Rijksmuseum collection
Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship conservation and scientific research on works of art and historical artifacts.
WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS
Financial support and the time and space to conduct high-quality, object-oriented research
The opportunity to work with a world-class international collection and in the largest historical library in the Netherlands
Intensive engagement with the working processes of a major museum
In-depth, expert-led training for presenting and speaking for a broad audience
A grant for research-related travel (limited to specific fellowships)
The possibility of staying at Haga House, a listed building within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum (three fellows max.)
International network of Rijksmuseum fellowship alumni connected on both academic and personal levels.
APPLICATION DETAILS
The closing date is 5 January 2025 6 p.m. The selection is in February 2025.
An international jury will select the successful proposals at the end of January. The jury is composed of eminent academics and members of the Rijksmuseum’s academic staff.
Applicants are required to submit:
A motivation letter of 250-300 words
A research proposal of no more than 1000 words, in which you explain your field of research and its relationship to the Rijksmuseum's collections and activities.
Your resume including education, work experience, honors, awards and publications
A preliminary schedule of work during the fellowship
A writing sample of 2-5 pages, such as a piece from a publication, recent essay, or a (draft) chapter of your dissertation
For detailed information on application requirements and the process for all four fellowships, please visit the Rijksmuseum website.