The position

Initiated in 2016, this joint apprenticeship gives you the chance to work in two institutions of very different nature and size, but with a shared strength: internationally acclaimed collections of Dutch and Flemish art. In close collaboration with the institutions’ staff, you will be able to engage in many facets of curatorial work. As integrated members of the curatorial team, you will be involved in its programme and contribute to it. It’s a position for 24 months, full time.

Your main activities and responsibilities include:

- assisting with work in the collections’ databases, including cataloguing prints, drawings, etc.;
- assisting in research for potential acquisitions, and visiting previews, auctions and art fairs;
- assisting in research on the permanent collection;
- assisting with collection rotations and exhibitions, including label writing, etc.;
- in Paris, you will be responsible for receiving scholars and other visitors in the Frits Lugt Collection’s study room.

Working at the Rijksmuseum and the Fondation Custodia

The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands for art and history with a collection of more than 1 million objects. Its Print Room houses one of the leading collections of prints and drawings in the world, focusing strongly on Dutch art from the Middle Ages through the 21^st century.

The Fondation Custodia manages the Frits Lugt Collection, a smaller but exceptional collection of old master works on paper. Based in Paris, it organises exhibitions, initiates scholarly research and publishes the online edition of Lugt’s Marques de collections de dessins et d’estampes.

What will you contribute?

We are curious to learn who you are, which qualities you bring, and how you want to grow in this field. You are eager to develop expertise in prints and drawings, analytical in your work, precise in your writing and research, and motivated to contribute actively to both institutions.

You also bring:

- a Master’s degree in art history;
- a clear interest in works on paper and the ambition to specialise in curatorial work in this field (some museum experience is preferable);
- strong social and analytical skills;
- a good command of English;
- at least a basic knowledge of French and/or Dutch;
- E.U. citizenship (required for the application process).

What will you get in return?

The two-year appointment starts on 1 January 2026. The first year may take place in either Amsterdam or Paris, and the second year in the other city.

- in Amsterdam: gross monthly salary between €3,768 and €4,897 (scale 10 of the Dutch Museum CAO), including benefits, excluding holiday allowance and year-end bonus. Housing is not provided.
- in Paris: gross monthly salary of €3,000, including benefits, excluding a thirteenth month’s payment. Housing nearby is provided free of charge.

Enthusiastic?

Then don’t hesitate and submit your application. We are eager to hear about who you are, the experience you bring, and what excites you about this role.
Take the next step and apply via the Rijksmuseum website by Thursday 30 October 2025, at the latest. The application process is as follows:

• Send in your application consisting of:
  - a motivation letter
  - C.V.
  - a writing sample (published, accepted for publication, or another substantial example relevant to your scholarly interests)
  - one letter of recommendation

• Do we see a match? Then we will schedule an interview. Interviews will take place on 10 November 2025 in Paris or 17 November 2025 in Amsterdam.

• Are we both enthusiastic? Then you will receive an offer from us.

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

Further information

For more information about the position, please contact:
- Mariska de Jonge, Assistant to the director, Fondation Custodia – mariska.dejonge@fondationcustodia.fr
- Ilona van Tuinen, Head of the Rijksmuseum Print Room – i.van.tuinen@rijksmuseum.nl