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Rijksmuseum launches new research into underrepresented histories with support from Baker McKenzie

Publication date: 17 June 2026 - 08:20

The Rijksmuseum will conduct new research into historically underrepresented subjects, including queer history. The museum’s collection, which spans from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, forms the basis for this work. The Rijksmuseum carries out research to gain new insights, tell more complete stories and share them with the world. The appointment of a researcher and the related public programme are made possible by Baker McKenzie, which is extending its long-standing partnership with the Rijksmuseum.

The Rijksmuseum is for everyone. It is therefore important to continually undertake new research in order to offer more perspectives on history. In this way, we continue to build a museum that is embedded in the heart of society.

Taco Dibbits, Director of the Rijksmuseum

At Baker McKenzie, inclusion is not only about what we say: it is about what we do. That is why we choose to invest in research that brings to light new and underrepresented perspectives. As a partner of the Rijksmuseum, we want to play an active role in this process, not only by enabling research, but also by helping to ensure that these stories find their way to the public.

Kim Tan, managing partner of Baker McKenzie Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum public programme during WorldPride Amsterdam

WorldPride Amsterdam runs from 25 July to 8 August this year. During this event, the Rijksmuseum will host various activities in and around the museum, made possible in part by Baker McKenzie. 

  • The guided tour A Pink History , offered during WorldPride Amsterdam, provides an insight into queer history in the Netherlands and its representation in art – from hidden love to the open celebration of diversity, and from Sodom and Gomorrah to the pink triangle 

  • On Friday 24 July, the Rijksmuseum will host an evening event dedicated to WorldPride Amsterdam, featuring films, panel discussions and more. Over the course of the evening, various speakers will explore topics such as the importance of positive representation, storytelling, solidarity and moving beyond categories.

Building on a long-standing partnership 
The law firm Baker McKenzie has been a partner of the Rijksmuseum since 2007. Its sustained support has enabled the museum to build an impressive collection of 20th-century photography, featuring works by internationally recognised photographers such as Moholy-Nagy, Germaine Krull, William Klein and Helen Levitt. The Rijksmuseum has acquired more than 375 photographs with support from Baker McKenzie, allowing it to develop an internationally leading photography collection. This support has also made several exhibitions possible, including StarVu in 2017 and American Photography in 2025.