Your internship

The intern is expected to carry out an in-depth treatment of an object including scientific research into its materials, technique and condition. The intern will also assist the furniture conservators with monitoring the condition and maintenance of the collection, preparing objects for loans, writing condition reports, (de-) installing exhibitions, and assisting with ongoing (research) projects.

The Furniture Conservation department works closely with the Curatorial Department, and the intern will be expected to participate in discussions about on-going treatments and research projects. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend regular talks organised by the three institutions mentioned above.

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What do you bring?

Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized (inter)national MA-level conservation training program with a specialization in furniture or wood conservation for the duration of the entire internship.
Applicants should possess:

  • Sufficient knowledge and skills to carry out conservation treatments.
  • Interest in integrating scientific research into conservation practice.
  • Basic knowledge of analytical methods useful for research.
  • Fluency in Dutch and/or English, spoken and written.
  • The ability to work in a team.

Our offer

A modest monthly stipend of 250 euros a month based on a 36 hours working week is offered. Special requirements are in place for students coming from outside the European Union.
The position is full-time (36 hours per week) for the duration of 6 months, to be scheduled in 2022, in accordance with the training programme of the intern and the schedule of the Rijksmuseum department.

Who we are

The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum of the Netherlands. The collection contains 1.1 million (art) objects from and relating to the Netherlands from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. The museum receives over two million visitors a year with a stunning building, surprising decor, beautiful exhibitions, lively events and many pleasant facilities for young and old.

The Rijksmuseum’s dynamic and diverse Conservation and Science Department is housed in the Ateliergebouw, or Studio Building, across the street from the main museum. In addition to the six conservation studios, the scientists and laboratories of the Rijksmuseum, the building hosts the conservation training program of the University of Amsterdam, the Scientific Department of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and the Netherlands Institute of Conservation, Art and Science (NICAS). The strong collaboration between conservators, scientific researchers and art historians in the three institutes makes for an interdisciplinary and inspiring environment.

Furniture Conservation

The department of Furniture Conservation holds an internationally recognized position in the field of technical research and conservation. The core team consists of three furniture conservators, and is supplemented by other conservators, as well as researchers and scientists. Together they are responsible for the research, conservation and care of the Rijksmuseum collection of furniture, as well as the wooden musical instruments, ship models and sculpture.