Internship Wood and Furniture Conservation

You as an Intern at the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum’s dynamic and diverse Conservation & Science Department is housed in the Ateliergebouw, or Studio Building, across the street from the main museum. In addition to the six conservation studios and laboratories of the Rijksmuseum, the building hosts the conservation training program of the University of Amsterdam, the Scientific Department of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and the newly formed Netherlands Institute of Conservation, Art and Science (NICAS). The strong collaboration between conservators, scientific researchers and art historians in the three institutes makes for an interdisciplinary and inspiring environment.  

The Furniture Conservation studio holds an internationally recognized position in the field of technical research and conservation. The core team consists of four furniture conservators, supplemented by other conservators, as well as researchers and scientists. Together they are responsible for the research, conservation and care of the Rijksmuseum collection of furniture, as well as the wooden musical instruments, ship models and sculptures.

• The intern is expected to carry out or take part in an in-depth treatment of an object including scientific research into its materials, technique and condition.
• The intern will assist the furniture conservators with monitoring the condition and maintenance of the collection, preparing objects for loans, writing condition reports, (de-) installing exhibitions, and assisting with ongoing (research) projects.
• The Furniture Conservation studio works closely with the Curatorial department, and the intern will be expected to participate in discussions about on-going treatments and research projects.
• The intern is expected to carry out or take part in an in-depth treatment of an object including scientific research into its materials, technique and condition.
• The intern will assist the furniture conservators with monitoring the condition and maintenance of the collection, preparing objects for loans, writing condition reports, (de-) installing exhibitions, and assisting with ongoing (research) projects.
• The Furniture Conservation studio works closely with the Curatorial department, and the intern will be expected to participate in discussions about on-going treatments and research projects.
• Interns will also have the opportunity to attend regular talks organised by the three institutions mentioned above.

Working for the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is of all people and for all people. You will be part of The Furniture Conservation studio, which is one of the four in Objects Conservation, holds an internationally recognized position in the field of technical research and conservation. The core team consists of four furniture conservators, supplemented by other conservators, as well as researchers and scientists. Together they are responsible for the research, conservation and care of the Rijksmuseum collection of furniture, as well as the wooden musical instruments, ship models and sculptures. 

What will you contribute?

We are curious about who you are and what you want to develop further during your internship at the Rijksmuseum.

The intern is expected to carry out or take part in an in-depth treatment of an object including scientific research into its materials, technique and condition. The intern will also assist the furniture conservators with monitoring the condition and maintenance of the collection, preparing objects for loans, writing condition reports, (de-) installing exhibitions, and assisting with ongoing (research) projects. The Furniture Conservation studio works closely with the Curatorial department, and the intern will be expected to participate in discussions about on-going treatments and research projects. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend regular talks organised by the three institutions mentioned above.

Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized (inter)national MA-level conservation training program with a specialization in furniture conservation for the duration of the entire internship.

Applicants should possess:

• Sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out conservation treatments
• Interest in integrating scientific research into conservation practice
• Basic knowledge of analytical methods useful for research
• Fluency in Dutch and/or English, spoken and written
• The ability to work in a team

What will you get in return?

The position is full-time (36 hours per week) for the duration of 6 months, to be scheduled in 2027 in accordance with the training programme of the intern and the schedule of the Rijksmuseum department.

At the Rijksmuseum, we place great importance on your personal and professional development. During the first weeks, you will receive close guidance from an experienced mentor who will help you navigate the organization. Your progress and development will be regularly monitored through evaluation sessions, allowing us to adjust and achieve your learning goals together. We ensure you have the tools needed to fully utilize your talents and grow during your time with us.

• You will be given the chance to work in – and behind the scenes of – a leading, internationally oriented museum;
• A monthly stipend of 550 euros a month based on a 36-hourwork week is offered;
• Participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun and our summer and winter parties.

Enthusiastic?

Then don’t wait around and submit your application before November 15, 2026 (Amsterdam time/CET). No applications will be accepted after the deadline. Applicants will be notified November 23, 2026. 

Interviews will take place at the end of the week 23-27 November. This is how the application process will be managed. * The exact start date is flexible and can be discussed.

For this internship, it is necessary that you hold an EU passport due to the duration of the internship.

1. After receiving your resume and motivation letter, we will get to work for you.
2. Do we see a potential match? Then we would like to arrange an introductory interview. We are curious to find out who you are, why this role appeals to you.
3. Are we both enthusiastic? Then we will make you an offer.

For further information, please contact Tirza Mol t.mol@rijksmusuem.nl 

Please note: We only consider applications submitted through the Rijksmuseum website. Unfortunately, we cannot process applications sent by email.