Curator of Costume — a costume-collection curator role at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, salary from €4,379

A role as curator of the costume collection in Amsterdam brings together research, acquisition, documentation and the public presentation of the collection. It is a position that shapes not only individual exhibitions but also long-term work with the heritage of fashion and costume at one of Europe’s largest museums, combining scholarly practice with a living dialogue with the public.
Above all, it is an opportunity for a specialist who can connect museum work, research and presenting material to an audience. In addition, the role opens contacts with conservators, researchers, collectors and the professional community — and in doing so broadens the career horizon of a costume curator.

Responsibility for the collection
The curator will be responsible for the Rijksmuseum’s collection of costume and accessories in Amsterdam. The work includes research, acquisition proposals, preparing displays, registration and documentation, ensuring the collection’s accessibility and taking part in its preservation together with conservators.
An important part of the role is publications, engagement with researchers and the professional community, and developing contacts with collectors. This is a position for someone able to combine scholarly work, museum practice and the public presentation of material.

Candidate requirements
The employer expects a master’s degree in art history and substantial experience as an assistant curator or curator in the field of costume. Skills in preparing exhibitions and publications, independent research and confident work with museum documentation are required.
Command of English is required. Dutch is also required, or a willingness to learn it — this practical condition can be addressed in the motivation letter with a concrete study plan.

Contract and pay
The position is 36 hours per week. Initially a one-year contract is offered, with the intention of continuing the collaboration.
The official page shows a discrepancy in the pay figures: the top card states €4,379–6,056 gross per month, while the terms section gives €4,532–6,268 gross per month, scale 12. Before applying, it is therefore worth checking with the employer which range applies to this posting. In addition, an 8% holiday allowance, a 3.4% year-end payment and travel compensation are stated.

How to apply
Applications are submitted only through the Rijksmuseum careers portal. You need to attach a CV and a motivation letter; in it, it helps to connect concrete experience with costume, exhibition projects, publications and collection development. Before sending, it is recommended to open the official page once more and check the pay range, the language of documents and any updates to the procedure.

The deadline for applications is 23 August 2026.