Lucky St..Rijk! Smithsonian’s Crossatlantic Handshake

Annemies Broekgaarden (left) and Marije Spek (right) at SI

Rijks Museum Head of Public and Education Annemies Broekgaarden and Fellowship Programme Coordinator Marije Spek recently visited the Smithsonian to discuss the academic programming and to exchange the expertise in coordinating fellowships and research in museums.

The Rijks Museum is the National Museum of the Netherlands located in Amsterdam. It houses the largest collection of the Dutch art in the world including the iconic masterpieces such as “Night Watch” by Rembrandt and ”The Milkmaid” by Johannes Vermeer. Boasting an extensive art history library the Museum is also leading in supporting academic research and public education programs.

Marije Spek was actually a SI Fellow alum, having completed a fellowship in the Smithsonian Office of Policy and Analysis (OP&A) in 2014. During her time with the Smithsonian she conducted research on visitor experience from a management perspective for the National Portrait Gallery in 2014.

Thanks to our Dutch colleagues for making a visit to the Smithsonian!

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam