The Rijksmuseum welcomes international, independent research proposals which open new perspectives on the museum’s collection, its history and activities. The program 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 program 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 patterns left by artists on ceramic sculptures from the Rijksmuseum collections, exploring the female elite at the seventeenth century Danish and Netherlandish courts to the extraction of the sixteenth and seventeenth century brazilwood. Read more about the research projects of the current six fellows.

Application and procedure

Please review the eligibility, funding and application requirements by visiting the Rijksmuseum website. For the 2023-2024 academic year, candidates can apply for:

• Mellon 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
• Anton C.R. Dreesmann Fellowship for art historical research – Apply here

The closing date for all applications is 9 January 2023, 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 2023. 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 mid – February 2023. All Fellowships will start in September 2023.

For questions concerning the application procedure, contact the Manager of Academic Programs (fellowships@rijksmuseum.nl).