Due to the expected winter conditions on Friday, 9 January, the RKD will be closed.
The knowledge institute of the visual arts of the Low Countries
The RKD — Netherlands Institute for Art History offers museums, academic community and the public a wealth of collections, knowledge and publications for extensive research and inspiration
CURRENT
News and recent developments
Winter Seminar 2026 – The Salon Reinvented
On 30 January 2026, SALON – Society for the Arts of the Long Nineteenth Century (formerly ESNA) and the RKD will organise their annual Winter Seminar.
Images from RKD's artworks database now available on artresearch.net
Your opinion is important! Take part in our user survey
COLLECTION
Dive into the RKD collection
Our collection includes the world's largest art history library, over 2.5 kilometres of archival material, many digital data, documentation and technical information on art
START RESEARCH
Begin your research
Doing your own art history research? Start online with RKD Research, check out one of the other websites, or drop by our study room in The Hague. We are happy to help!
KNOWLEGDE & PUBLICATIONS
Results of art historical research
As a knowledge institute, we work closely with museums, heritage institutions and universities. Besides a research role, the RKD serves a public function. Our staff contributes to publications and exhibitions
A new perspective on the Huis Driemond ensemble
Concealed beneath the paint layers of Pieter Lastman’s work
RKD Podcast: Helene Schemel
Subscribe to our newsletter
Several times a year the RKD sends out a digital newsletter in both Dutch and English, in which we keep you posted on the latest news and inform you about our activities.