Our collection belongs to everyone. That is why we think it is important that as many people as possible can enjoy and learn from it. We want to reflect this in our loan policy. We look forward to receiving your request for a temporary exhibition or a long-term loan.

The Rijksmuseum underwrites the principles of Smarter Loans of the Museum Association and the guidelines of the Bizot Green Protocol regarding the museum climate.

This means:

  • A stable relative humidity (RH) is required in the range of 40 - 60% with fluctuations of no more than ±10% RH per 24 hours within this range;
  • A stable temperature in the range 16-25°C with fluctuations of no more than 5°C per 24 hours within this range;
  • If required, further terms may be set.

Loans can be requested for both temporary exhibitions and permanent displays. Before making a request, please read our loan conditions to be sure you can agree to them.

We kindly request that the application adheres to the following criteria:

  • Requests must be received at least six months before the start of the loan.
  • When requesting a loan for 10 or more objects, please make sure to submit your request at least 9 months before the start of the loan.
  • Send your letter of request to Taco Dibbits, General Director of the Rijksmuseum, Postbus 74888, 1070 DN Amsterdam, The Netherlands, or by email to registrarsoffice@rijksmuseum.nl

Please include the following information in your request:

  • name and address of the institution making the request
  • name, job title and contact details of the person handling the request at your institution
  • reason for the loan
  • exhibition period
  • exhibition title
  • list of requested objects, including object numbers

CHARGES

We do not charge for loans, nor do we charge for preparing condition reports, packing objects or courier supervision. The following costs are for the borrower’s account:

  • Transport. All transports are carried out by a recognized art shipping firm.
  • Insurance of objects during transport and for the period of the loan. This does not apply when the borrower is listed in the Dutch Museum Register and the requested object is the property of the State of the Netherlands.
  • Packaging material.

For exhibitions outside the Netherlands, additional costs apply:

  • Hotel plus breakfast and a per diem rate for the courier.

PROCEDURE

The Rijksmuseum aims to respond to all loan requests within three months of receipt. This time is needed to process the request:

  • The Registrar’s Office registers the request and coordinates the loan procedure.
  • Our curators provide a recommendation, taking account of object availability.
  • Our conservators provide a recommendation based on the condition of the works.
  • If the recommendations are favourable, the Registrar’s Office draws up a loan agreement.
  • If the recommendations are unfavourable, you will be notified as soon as possible.
  • The loan agreement must also be signed off by the museum’s General Director, Taco Dibbits.
  • Two months before the start of the loan, the Registrar’s Office will contact you to make arrangements for transport and installation.