Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the focus on sculpture at the Rijksmuseum, partly due to successful exhibitions and the international expansion and enrichment of the collection, a development that has also garnered widespread international acclaim. Working at this ambitious level, you will contribute as a specialist to developing new perspectives within a field that is constantly evolving. The reassessment and enrichment of the current permanent collection displays will play a decisive role in this over the coming years.
As a curator of sculpture, you will play an important role in this process. You will contribute to collection development and accessibility, support future exhibitions, and help complete and update the catalogue of the sculpture collection. You will also closely monitor developments in the international field and the art market, and you will maintain and further develop an international professional network. Moreover, you will translate this knowledge into research projects, presentations, publications, and public programs.
You will be part of the Painting and Sculpture Team within the Department of Fine & Decorative Arts and will work closely with colleagues across the museum.
Key responsibilities
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Develop, research, and expand the Sculpture collection
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Contribute to the presentation and visibility of the sculpture collection within and beyond the Rijksmuseum
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Complete and update the online catalogue of the sculpture collection;
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Contribute to and organise exhibitions and publications in the coming years;
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Develop new insights and perspectives on the collection and the wider field of sculpture.
The Rijksmuseum is for and by everyone. We care for, research, and present a collection that makes art and history accessible to a diverse audience. Within the Collections Departments, we are responsible for collection management, research, exhibitions, and knowledge sharing. In doing so, we work closely with colleagues from Conservation & Science, Public & Education, and Publications.
You will join the team within the Department of Fine and Decorative Arts. The team consists of colleagues with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives. Together, you work on collection research, exhibitions, and public projects. Several exhibitions in which sculpture will play a prominent role are planned for the coming years. You will also contribute to innovative forms of knowledge sharing, including publications, video formats, and other public-facing productions.
We are interested in who you are, the perspective and expertise you bring to our team, and how you would like to continue developing professionally. Your contribution is important to the Rijksmuseum.
We are looking for someone with a strong intellectual vision of Western sculpture and a broad understanding of the field, ranging from historical developments to current trends within the international art world. You are comfortable operating within a complex network of researchers, museums, collectors, and audiences. You actively contribute to discussions on collection development, research, and exhibitions. You publish on art history in a way that is both academically rigorous and accessible, and you feel comfortable representing the museum to the public and the media. You are also curious about technical art-historical research and innovative approaches to presenting collections.
In addition, you have:
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An academic degree, preferably in Art History or a related field;
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Extensive knowledge of Western sculpture from the Middle Ages to the present day;
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Experience with collection management, collection development, and research;
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Experience publishing within the field;
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Knowledge of international developments in sculpture and the art market;
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Experience working in a project-based environment within a museum or academic setting;
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Excellent command of English and a willingness to learn Dutch.
As a curator of sculpture you will be given the chance to work in – and behind the scenes of – a leading, internationally oriented museum, together with dedicated specialists. In addition, we offer:
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A gross monthly salary between €4,532 and €6,268 based on a 36-hour working week (Scale 12 of the Museum Collective Labour Agreement);
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8% holiday allowance and a 3.4% year-end bonus;
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A one-year contract for 36 hours per week, with the intention of extending it;
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A public transport commuting allowance from 5 km onwards (up to a maximum of €367.50 per month). If you commute entirely by bicycle or on foot, you will receive €0.21 per kilometre. Costs for secure bicycle parking at train stations are also reimbursed;
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After your probation period, you will receive a Netherlands Museum Pass, offering unlimited access to more than 450 museums in the Netherlands. And you can always bring one guest to the Rijksmuseum for free (during opening hours);
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Participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun and our summer and winter parties.
Then don’t wait, submit your application before the closing date of 27 August. We warmly encourage all interested candidates to apply. If you require any additional support during the recruitment process, please let us know. We are happy to help.
This is what the application process looks like:
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After we receive your CV and motivation letter, we will carefully review your application.
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If we see a potential match, we will invite you to a first interview on 7 September. We look forward to getting to know you, learning more about your experience, and hearing why this role appeals to you.
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If the first interview is successful, we will invite you to a second interview on 15 September.
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If we are both enthusiastic after the interviews, we will be delighted to make you an offer.
Do you have any questions? Please contact Pieter Roelofs, Head of Fine and Decorative Arts, at [email protected]
Please note: If we receive a sufficient number of applications, we may close this vacancy before the stated closing date. Unfortunately, applications submitted after the vacancy has closed cannot be considered.
We only accept applications submitted through the Rijksmuseum website. Unfortunately, applications sent by email cannot be considered.
