Barbara Borghese: appointment as head of Conservation & Science, Rijksmuseum
Publication date: 14 September 2026 - 09:10
Barbara Borghese appointed new Head of Conservation & Science at the Rijksmuseum
Barbara Borghese (1971) is to become the new Head of Conservation & Science at the Rijksmuseum. She will take up this position in mid-November. Originally from Italy, Barbara Borghese has more than 20 years’ experience in conservation and restoration and has worked at several leading British heritage institutions. She is currently Lead Conservator Paper, Photographs & Books at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, where she heads a multidisciplinary team of conservators. Previously, she held management and specialist positions at institutions including the British Library and the UK National Archives.
Barbara Borghese has extensive experience in bringing collections and scientific research to a wider audience. She also has a large international network and has worked on major international collaborative projects. I very much look forward to working with her.
Taco Dibbits, General Director of the Rijksmuseum
Conservation and science at the Rijksmuseum
At the Conservation & Science department, a dedicated team of experts works to preserve and manage the Rijksmuseum’s collection through conservation, restoration and scientific research. The department is housed in the Atelier Building, containing the museum’s seven research and restoration studios: Paintings and Frames; Ceramics, Glass and Stone; Metals; Furniture and Wood; Photography and Paper; and Textiles. The restoration departments of the University of Amsterdam and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands are also located here, making the Atelier a state-of-the-art centre for restoration and conservation, scientific research and training.