Seeking General & Artistic Director

Internationally renowned for modern and contemporary art and design, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural district. It is a dynamic public museum where broad and diverse audiences can discover, experience, and discuss art and design. The museum cares for a unique international collection and has a long and distinguished history as a pioneering platform for art. The Stedelijk fosters interaction between audiences and art, drawing inspiration from dialogue with artists and society. Through art and design, the museum offers critical perspectives on the contemporary world and the future we are shaping together. It translates questions raised by artists and society into an inspiring and relevant program, while managing, renewing, and opening up its collection to the public. In this ongoing process, experimentation remains central to the Stedelijk’s identity.

In recent years, the museum has achieved a strong balance in governance, with a forward-looking approach to both artistic and operational strategy. As the current director is approaching retirement age, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is seeking a new General & Artistic Director: an inspiring, unifying artistic leader who can strengthen the museum’s position as a thriving public institution and as one of the world’s leading museums of modern and contemporary art and design. 

The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is seeking a General & Artistic Director, a prominent figure in the international art world who will serve as the artistic figurehead of the Stedelijk. The General & Artistic Director is an inspiring sparring partner for staff and contribute to the successful management of the museum, with responsibility for artistic policy, financial continuity, sound operations, and staff well-being. Together with the Managing Director, the General & Artistic Director forms the two-person Board of Directors. Both directors hold joint responsibility, work from complementary profiles, and endorse the importance of artistic content and sound business operations. 

The General & Artistic Director will articulate a clear vision of the social significance and role of a museum of modern and contemporary art and design, now and in the future. The director will develop a vision for the conservation, management, mobility, and development of the collection, including acquisitions policy, and shape a varied program for Amsterdam-based, national, and international audiences.The director will maintain constructive relationships with local government authorities and strengthen connections with donors, partners, funding bodies, artists, art institutions, sister institutions, academic institutions, critics, media, and other key players in the art world. 

Profile
Candidates have proven and recognized artistic leadership in a museum or major cultural institution for modern and contemporary art and design. Candidates have an extensive international network, strong relationships with established and emerging artists, and a broad local, national, and international network in the art world. An understanding of art history with a keen eye for artistic innovation is expected.The Stedelijk seeks a powerful source of inspiration and an excellent communicator who identifies with the museum’s core values: adventurous, engaged, accessible, responsible, and courageous. The successful candidate is an effective leader and team player, with a holistic view of general management and a strong sense of responsibility for the continuity of the Stedelijk. He/she/they listen actively, delegate with confidence, empower teams, and bring people together. 

Experience with diversity, inclusion, and accessibility is essential, as is an understanding of the Stedelijk’s role as a public institution and the dynamics of public and private funding. Candidates are attuned to political, social, ethical, technological, and demographic developments, and to audiences in Amsterdam and beyond. 

Written and verbal communication skills in Dutch and English are required. Candidates who do not yet speak Dutch must be willing to learn quickly. Relocation to Amsterdam or the surrounding area is expected. The selection of candidates is carried out by an appointed committee, including members from the international art world. Egon Zehnder Amsterdam is assisting in the selection process. The plan is for the new General & Artistic Director to begin mid 2027. For the full profile and vacancy text, please visit the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam website. Applications must be submitted by June 14, 2026.