Fellowship Program

Rijksmuseum – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Fellowship Period: Academic Year 2025-2026
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025, 6:00 PM

Programme Overview
The Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme offers up to six fellowships, providing an opportunity to conduct research at the museum. Fellows gain access to the collections, library, and laboratories, and benefit from the expertise of the Rijksmuseum’s academic staff. The programme aims to foster high-quality research, strengthen university partnerships, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Research Fields

1. Mellon Fellowship: Art and cultural history, focused on object-based research.
2. Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann Fellowship: Art history research for PhD candidates from the University of Pennsylvania.
3. Johan Huizinga Fellowship: Historical research on objects in the museum’s collection.
4. Migelien Gerritzen Fellowship: Conservation and scientific research on artworks and historical artifacts.

Benefits

• Financial support, time, and resources for high-quality, object-focused research.
• Access to a world-class art collection and the Netherlands’ largest art history library.
• Immersion in museum operations, workshops, and field trips.
• Presentation training with expert guidance.
• Research travel grants (specific fellowships only).
• Option to reside at the Haga House near the museum (up to three fellows).
• Networking opportunities with an international cohort of alumni.

Application Requirements

• Motivation letter (250-300 words).
• Research proposal (up to 1,000 words) detailing the project’s relevance to the museum’s collections and activities.
• CV including education, experience, honors, and publications.
• Preliminary work schedule for the fellowship period.
• Writing sample (2-5 pages).

Accommodation Option
Up to three fellows may stay at the historic Haga House, a listed Amsterdam School-style building near the museum, supported by the Andla Fonds.

International Alumni Network
Fellows are encouraged to build connections, creating an enduring international network that supports both academic and personal growth. Many alumni have advanced into prominent roles within academia and museums.

Funding and Partnerships
The Rijksmuseum Fellowship Programme is supported by:

• The Mellon Foundation
• Migelien Gerritzen Fund/Rijksmuseum Fund
• Dr. Anton C.R. Dreesmann Fund/Rijksmuseum Fund
• Johan Huizinga Fund/Rijksmuseum Fund
• Annenberg Foundation/Rijksmuseum Fund