At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this Internship in Wood and Furniture Conservation at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is a full-time, 6-month internship in the Furniture Conservation studio, scheduled in 2027, with a monthly stipend of 550 euros based on a 36-hour work week, for MA-level conservation students.
About the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum of the Netherlands. Its 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 Conservation & Science Department
The Rijksmuseum's dynamic and diverse Conservation & Science Department is housed in the Ateliergebouw, or Studio Building, across the street from the main museum. In addition to the six conservation studios 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 newly formed 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.
The Furniture Conservation Studio
The Furniture Conservation studio holds an internationally recognized position in the field of technical research and conservation. It is one of the four studios in Objects Conservation. The core team consists of four furniture conservators, 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 sculptures. The studio works closely with the Curatorial department.
What You Will Do
🔬 Carry out or take part in an in-depth treatment of an object, including scientific research into its materials, technique and condition.
🪵 Assist the furniture conservators with monitoring the condition and maintenance of the collection.
📦 Prepare objects for loans.
📋 Write condition reports.
🖼️ Install and de-install exhibitions.
🧪 Assist with ongoing (research) projects.
💬 Participate in discussions with the Curatorial department about ongoing treatments and research projects.
🎤 Attend regular talks organised by the three institutions in the Studio Building.
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Who Can Apply
🎓 Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized (inter)national MA-level conservation training program with a specialization in furniture conservation for the duration of the entire internship.
🛠️ 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.
🛂 For this internship, it is necessary that you hold an EU passport due to the duration of the internship.
What You Get in Return
⏱️ A full-time position (36 hours per week) for the duration of 6 months, to be scheduled in 2027 in accordance with the training programme of the intern and the schedule of the Rijksmuseum department. The exact start date is flexible and can be discussed.
💶 A monthly stipend of 550 euros a month based on a 36-hour work week.
🏛️ The chance to work in, and behind the scenes of, a leading, internationally oriented museum.
🧭 Close guidance from an experienced mentor during the first weeks, who helps you navigate the organization.
📈 Regular evaluation sessions to monitor your progress and adjust to reach your learning goals together.
🎉 Participation in various events and sports activities, such as the Rijksrun and the summer and winter parties.
The listing shows between 16 and 36 working hours per week, while the offer describes a full-time position of 36 hours. To see how internship pay and funding work in practice, read the guide to paid internships abroad.
Selection Timeline
📅 Applications must be submitted before 15 November 2026 (Amsterdam time/CET). No applications are accepted after the deadline.
🔔 Applicants are notified on 23 November 2026.
🎙️ Interviews take place at the end of the week of 23-27 November.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and motivation letter through the Rijksmuseum website. Applications are only considered when submitted through the Rijksmuseum website; applications sent by email cannot be processed. If there is a potential match, the museum arranges an introductory interview to find out who you are and why the role appeals to you, and if both sides are enthusiastic, an offer follows. For further information, contact Tirza Mol.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Rijksmuseum internship pay?
The internship offers a monthly stipend of 550 euros based on a 36-hour work week.
How long is the internship and when does it take place?
It is full-time (36 hours per week) for 6 months, scheduled in 2027 in accordance with the intern's training programme and the department's schedule. The exact start date is flexible and can be discussed.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized (inter)national MA-level conservation training program with a specialization in furniture conservation for the entire internship. An EU passport is required due to the duration of the internship.
Which languages do I need?
You need fluency in Dutch and/or English, spoken and written.
Can I apply by email?
No. Only applications submitted through the Rijksmuseum website are considered, and applications sent by email cannot be processed.
When will I hear back?
Applicants are notified on 23 November 2026, and interviews take place at the end of the week of 23-27 November.
Deadline
⏳ 15 November 2026 (Amsterdam time/CET)
Links
Browse all internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
🔗 Apply: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/careers/vacancies/internship-wood-and-furniture-conservation--1340308
📧 Contact (Tirza Mol): t.mol@rijksmusuem.nl
