ZWOLLE.- At Museum de Fundatie, with locations in Zwolle and Heino,connects people with art through an impressive collection of over 16,000 works. The museum is looking for a Curator of 19th- and 20th-Century Art who will passionately contribute to the museum's ambition of stimulating dialogue and offering new artistic perspectives. Join the team and help bring art to life in a special way for visitors.

Contribute to the future of an exceptional collection

Museum de Fundatie is one of the leading art museums in the Netherlands. From our locations in Zwolle and Heino, we connect people with art, artists, and new ideas. Through exhibitions, public programmes, education, and research, we make art accessible to diverse audiences and foster dialogue about the world we live in today.

Our collection comprises more than 16.000 works spanning different periods, disciplines, and geographical contexts. The collection serves as the foundation for research, exhibitions, and the development of new narratives. At the same time, we look ahead to new perspectives, emerging artistic voices, and innovative approaches to presenting and interpreting art.

We are seeking a Curator of 19th- and 20th-Century Art to join our curatorial team and contribute to this ambition.

Who are we looking for?

You are an inquisitive and experienced curator with a broad perspective on 19th- and 20th-century art, extending beyond Europe and North America. You are passionate about collections-based research, uncovering new connections, and translating scholarly inquiry into engaging exhibitions, publications, and public presentations.

You closely follow developments in the contemporary museum and art landscape and are interested in expanding perspectives and creating meaningful access to art for diverse audiences. You enjoy collaborating with colleagues, artists, researchers, and institutional partners, bringing together people and ideas while actively contributing to the museum’s intellectual and curatorial vision.

Key responsibilities

• As Curator of 19th- and 20th-Century Art, you will play a central role in the development of 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 concerning acquisitions and collection development.

• Build and maintain professional networks with artists, museums, researchers, collectors, and other stakeholders, both 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 the ongoing development of Museum de Fundatie.

Profile

• Minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience as a curator, assistant curator, or in a comparable role.

• At least a 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 within the field.

• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

• Experience working in project-based environments and multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, and willingness to acquire proficiency in Dutch within a reasonable timeframe.

What we offer

• 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 unique sites: Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle and Kasteel het Nijenhuis in Heino.

• A dedicated team of colleagues who share a passion for art and culture.

• An 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.

We would like to hear your story

Museum de Fundatie strives to be a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and represented. We therefore encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, age, gender, education, religion, neurodiversity, or disability. Above all, we are interested in what you can contribute.

Interested?

Please send your resume and cover letter (PDF format) no later than August 30, 2026 to vacature@museumdefundatie.nl, for the attention of Beatrice von Bormann, Managing Director. Interviews will take place on September 8 and 16, 2026.

Curator of 19th- and 20th-Century Art
36 hours per week, Zwolle and Heino, The Netherlands