Curator of 19th - and 20th - Century Art
Museum de Fundatie, Zwolle / Heino, Netherlands
36 hours per week
Museum de Fundatie is seeking a driven expert for an inspiring role at one of the leading art museums in the Netherlands. With locations in Zwolle and Heino, the museum connects people with art through an impressive collection of more than 16,000 works.
The successful candidate will be a curator of 19th- and 20th-century art who can contribute passionately to the museum’s ambition to stimulate dialogue and offer new artistic perspectives.
About Museum de Fundatie
Museum de Fundatie showcases artists from various disciplines and backgrounds, identifies new talent, and works closely with educational institutions in Zwolle. Its team includes curators, experts, educators, floor managers and museum staff.
The team reflects society, bringing together people of different ages, backgrounds, experiences and talents. The museum values new ideas, fresh perspectives and inspiring collaborations.
The successful candidate will join an open, engaged organisation with room for initiative and personal growth. Museum de Fundatie aims to be a place of inspiration, wonder and connection for both visitors and colleagues.
The museum is looking for someone who is curious, enthusiastic and committed, who enjoys working with others and is open to different perspectives.
Who They Are Looking For
An experienced and inquisitive curator specialising in 19th- and 20th-century art, with a global perspective that transcends traditional boundaries. The successful candidate will be dedicated to rigorous collections-based research and to transforming scholarly inquiry into engaging exhibitions and public narratives.
They will be committed to the evolving museum landscape, thrive on collaboration, and be passionate about expanding perspectives, enhancing accessibility and contributing to an inclusive, forward-thinking institutional vision.
Key Responsibilities
Play a central role in developing Museum de Fundatie’s collection and exhibition programme.
Conduct scholarly research on the collection, with a focus on 19th- and 20th-century art.
Conceive, develop and oversee exhibitions, publications, lectures and related public programmes.
Share responsibility for the stewardship, preservation, documentation and interpretation of the collection.
Monitor developments in the field and contribute to discussions on acquisitions and collection development.
Build and maintain professional networks with artists, museums, researchers, collectors and other stakeholders, nationally and internationally.
Contribute to a collection and exhibition strategy that embraces multiple perspectives and narratives.
Collaborate closely with colleagues across the museum and actively contribute to Museum de Fundatie’s ongoing development.
Profile
A minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience as a curator, assistant curator or in a comparable role.
At least an MA degree, or equivalent, in Art History.
Demonstrated experience in research, exhibition-making and publishing.
Strong knowledge of 19th- and 20th-century art, combined with a broad interest in current developments in the field.
Excellent organisational and communication skills.
Experience of working in project-based environments and multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent written and spoken English, alongside a willingness to acquire proficiency in Dutch within a reasonable timeframe.
What Museum de Fundatie Offers
An intellectually stimulating position within an ambitious and high-profile museum.
The opportunity to work with an exceptional collection of more than 16,000 artworks.
An inspiring working environment across two distinctive sites: Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle and Kasteel het Nijenhuis in Heino.
A dedicated team of colleagues with a shared passion for art and culture.
A one-year contract, with the prospect of extension and permanent employment.
A salary in accordance with Scale 11 of the Dutch Museum Collective Labour Agreement (Museum CAO), commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Applicants should send a CV and cover letter in PDF format by 30 August 2026 to vacature@museumdefundatie.nl, for the attention of Beatrice von Bormann, Managing Director.
Interviews will take place on 8 and 16 September 2026. For further information about the position, applicants can contact the museum via the email address above.