The Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme 2026-2027
Applications due by 4 January 2026
The Rijksmuseum welcomes international, independent research proposals which open new perspectives on the museum’s collection, its history and activities. The programme enables highly talented candidates to base part of their research at the Rijksmuseum, and offers access to the museum’s expertise, collections, library and laboratories. Furthermore, the programme facilitates opportunities for Fellows to engage in workshops and excursions to encourage exchange of knowledge – both amongst themselves and the broader museum audience.
Current fellows
From studying the forms and functions of delftware tiles in Jaina Temples of Early -Modern South Asia, evaluating historical conservation recipes for cleaning oil paintings at the Rijksmuseum to sound, science and Dutch colonial art in the eighteenth century.
Read more about the research projects of our current five fellows: Fellows - Rijksmuseum
Application and procedure
Please review the eligibility, funding and application requirements by visiting the Rijksmuseum website. For the 2026-2027 academic year, candidates can apply for:
• Conrad Whelan 42 Fellowship for research in art and cultural history - Apply here
• Johan Huizinga Fellowship for historical research - Apply here
• Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship for conservation and scientific research - Apply here
The closing date for all applications is 4 January 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (Amsterdam time/CET). No applications will be accepted after this deadline. All applications must be submitted online and in English . Applications or related materials delivered via email, postal mail, or in person will not be accepted.
Selection will be made by an international committee in February 2026. The committee consists of eminent scholars in the relevant fields of study from European universities and institutions, and members of the curatorial and conservation staff of the Rijksmuseum. Applicants will be notified by February 2026. All Fellowships will start in September 2026.
Questions?
For questions concerning the application procedure, contact the Manager of Academic Programmes (fellowships@rijksmuseum.nl).