A Glimpse Behind the Scenes: All-Round Museum Internships at Amsterdam's Bijbels Museum
The Bijbels Museum, a distinctive cultural institution rooted in Amsterdam, is offering insights into its unique operational model through its comprehensive all-round museum internship program. While current positions are filled, this initiative provides aspiring cultural professionals with a chance to engage with a dynamic "nomadic museum" environment.
The Bijbels Museum's Distinctive "Nomadic" Approach
Unlike traditional museums with permanent collections and dedicated exhibition spaces, the Bijbels Museum operates as a "nomadic museum." This innovative model involves curating ambitious exhibitions, frequently in collaboration with emerging artists, and presenting them within other museums across the Netherlands. This allows the Bijbels Museum to function as a "museum-in-a-museum," bringing its unique themes and cultural heritage interpretations to diverse audiences. The institution also regularly organizes public lectures, workshops, and various special events, further extending its reach and engagement. While it travels, its core operations are based in a welcoming workspace on Amsterdam's historic Nieuwe Herengracht. For those curious about its past and future projects, details are often shared on its blogs.
A Comprehensive Internship Experience in Amsterdam's Cultural Sector
The all-round internship at the Bijbels Museum offers a deeply immersive experience due to its small team structure, allowing interns to be involved in nearly every aspect of museum work. Interns contribute to concept development, grant applications, marketing and communication strategies, and the physical setup and dismantling of various exhibitions. Responsibilities often include conducting research, writing content for the museum's website and social media channels, and engaging with supporters.
This hands-on role fosters significant networking opportunities within both the Amsterdam and broader Dutch museum landscape. The museum emphasizes a collaborative spirit, working closely with artists, freelance designers, builders, and partner institutions nationwide.
The internship typically requires a commitment of at least 16 (up to 32) hours per week for a minimum of four months, with start dates usually in February and September. While current positions are full, the next opportunity to join the program is anticipated for February 2027. The museum provides a pleasant work environment, including healthy lunches and a stagevergoeding (internship allowance).
Candidates for the internship are typically pursuing or have completed relevant higher education, such as studies at the Reinwardt Academie, Language and Cultural Studies, Art History, or other HBO/WO programs. Essential requirements include enthusiasm, a strong desire to learn, good written and spoken Dutch skills, and an affinity for online marketing, social media, art, and culture, particularly exhibition production. Experience with image and video editing is considered a plus. While an interest in religion is encouraged given the museum's thematic focus, it is not a prerequisite. In 2025/2026, the Bijbels Museum plans to host exhibitions in multiple cities, including Almere, Amsterdam, Breda, Uden, and Ter Apel, with details available on their upcoming exhibitions page. Interns may contribute to specific projects like the "Gezichten van de Amstelhoven" (Faces of the Amstelhoven) exhibition.
Those interested in future internship opportunities should prepare a motivation letter and CV to send to Marjolein Marreveld at [email protected], using "Sollicitatie stage" in the subject line.
For those interested in exploring more cultural institutions in Amsterdam or discovering various museum experiences across different cities, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can browse other museums or explore cultural spots on our map.
