Rijksmuseum × Musée du Louvre

For the 2026 Fellowship we welcome proposals in the field of decorative arts and historical interiors that align with the collections and research focus of the departments of decorative arts at the Rijksmuseum and the Département des Objets d’Art at the Musée du Louvre.

We welcome international research proposals that contribute to academic discourse and foster stronger bilateral links between museums and the scholarly community. The purpose of the Fellowship Programme is to encourage and support scholarly investigation, and to strengthen collaboration between the two museums. The programme enables the selected Fellow to base part of their research at both the Musée du Louvre and the Rijksmuseum, offering full access to collections, archives, libraries and curatorial expertise. Furthermore, the programme provides opportunities for the Fellow to participate in workshops, seminars and excursions to encourage exchange of knowledge across disciplines and borders.

The Rijksmuseum × Musée du Louvre Cross-Fellowship for Postdoctoral Research

This Fellowship offers early career scholars the opportunity to conduct research into objects in the collections of the Rijksmuseum and the Musée du Louvre. Candidates are invited to submit a research proposal that draws on these objects as subject material and as sources of historical information. The Rijksmuseum × Musée du Louvre Cross-Fellowship is primarily intended for candidates whose focus is on the historical role and symbolic meaning of objects, on material culture or the societal context in which these artefacts were used. Therefore, please note that this fellowship does not welcome proposals exclusively focusing on artistic style, oeuvres or art techniques.

A joint working space for the Fellows will be provided, in order to stimulate an exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. Access will be given to all relevant resources in the museums, such as the Research Library Collections, collection documentation and the Rijksmuseum’s archives, and the Centre d’Études et de Documentation of the Département des Objets d’Art of the Musée du Louvre. Members of the museums' curatorial staff will be acting as advisors to the Fellow.

Conditions

The Fellow is expected to be present and participate fully in the museums’ scientific life. They will spend six months in each museum and be advised by a curator in each museum, who will act as a contact person concerning their research. Administrative support is provided by the Direction des É tudes Muséales et de l’Appui à la Recherche (DEMAR) of the Musée du Louvre and the Academic Programmes Department of the Rijksmuseum.

Eligibility

• The fellowship is open to postdoctoral candidates of all nationalities. Applicants must have completed their dissertation and obtained a PhD degree no more than five years before the date of application (i.e., candidates who obtained their PhD in 2020 or later are eligible for the 2026 fellowship)
• Researchers may specialize in art history, cultural history, museum studies or related disciplines
• Candidates should have proven research capabilities and academic credentials, and must be proficient in both English and French – written and spoken

Funding

Fellowship stipends are awarded to help support a Fellow’s study and research efforts during the tenure of the appointment (and to cover accommodation, living costs, and daily transportation for the 12-month research period). The stipend of €45,000 for postdoctoral Fellows (subject to taxes and deductions) is for a period of 12 months commencing September 2026, the start of the academic year. The Rijksmuseum will cover visa fees for the Fellow, but not for dependents.

The cross-fellowship also includes funds for travel to conduct research in art collections and archives elsewhere in Europe, to a maximum of €5,000 annually.

Application and procedure

The Rijksmuseum is committed to actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. People with diverse backgrounds and experiences bring different perspectives to its collection and activities. This leads to new insights and enhances the museum’s innovative strength. We therefore warmly invite you to apply, regardless of your social or cultural background, sexual preference, gender, age or disability.

Complete applications (cover letter, research proposal of no more than two pages excluding the bibliography, CV) must be submitted by 8 February 2026 (8:00 PM CEST) through the online application system of the Rijksmuseum.

Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy of the Rijksmuseum
Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy of the Louvre

Further information

For general questions, fellowships@rijksmuseum.nl or recherche@louvre.fr

For academic questions, a.dencher@rijksmuseum.nl or olivier.gabet@louvre.fr

Partners and sponsors

Made possible by the Dr. Anton C.R. Dreesmann Fonds/Rijksmuseum Fonds, the France–Nederland Cultuurfonds and the Institut Français NL.