The Rijksmuseum Fellowship Program gives successful candidates the exceptional opportunity to conduct part of their research at the museum. The aim is to support first-rate academic research, to strengthen ties between the Rijksmuseum and universities, and to contribute to the exchange of knowledge. Fellows have access to the museum’s collections, library and laboratories, and to the expertise of the academic staff. They also get the opportunity to participate in workshops and field trips.

Research fields

The Rijksmuseum is offering a maximum of six fellowships for the 2025-2026 academic year, across four fields of research:

• 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 museum 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.

How to apply

What they need from you:

• 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 to five pages, such as a piece from a publication, recent essay, or a (draft) chapter of your dissertation

Please note, you can only apply online from October 2025. The closing date is 5 January 2025 6 p.m. The selection is in February 2025. Visit the Rijksmuseum’s website for more information and to send in your application.