Frequently asked questions

The RKD – Netherlands Institute for Art History is the leading knowledge institute in the field of Dutch art. You can use the RKD's resources for academic research.

At the RKD, academics, art professionals, and interested art enthousiast can learn more about art history in the Netherlands and abroad. You can find a lot of information about art and artists online at RKD Research. You can also visit the RKD in The Hague to consult the library or archives, or to participate in a masterclass or event.

The RKD is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00. For current opening hours, please check this page.

RKD Research is the academic platform for art-historical research. RKD Research allows you to search nine databases containing millions of records. This data is made available free of charge, as are images and digitised archive documents. A subscription to RKD Research gives you access to extras such as visual search.

Individual subscription

This subscription is intended for private users and is valid for one year. It includes digital access to the extra functions of RKD Research and physical access to the study room in The Hague. There is a reduced-rate subscription for students.

Collective subscription

Institutions such as auction houses and museums can take out a collective subscription, which allows the institution to provide access to multiple employees based on licenses.

RKD Research day pass

If you would like to visit the study room just once, you can purchase a one-day pass. This includes access to the additional functions of RKD Research. The day pass can only be used in the RKD study room in The Hague.

You can purchase a subscription in the RKD webshop. 

Yes, you can do this using the comments field at the bottom of the detail pages in RKD Research. You can also use the contact form and check the box ‘additional information for the database’. This only applies to existing records. New images for RKDimages are only added to the database on a project basis.

This may be a temporary problem. It may help to log out and log back in, or to open RKD Research in a different browser. If you still experience the problem after 24 hours, please contact us using the contact form.

You can research a work of art yourself via RKD Research. You can also visit the RKD to consult our extensive art-historical library, archives or other collections. Via RKD Research, you can search the databases and prepare your visit.

Alternatively, you can have a work of art examined by a curator from the RKD. More information about this service can be found at art historical research.

After you have completed the art historical research form, we will consider your request. We will then send you a message regarding the research time and costs involved. Once you have agreed to our proposal and we have received payment, the research will commence. The results of the research will be sent to you in a written report.

Filling in the application form is entirely non-binding. You can still cancel the application up until the point of payment. Please also see the terms of delivery.

In the RKD webshop, you can pay with iDeal and credit card.

Some images in RKDimages Lite contain privacy-sensitive information or are protected by copyright. Look under 'image quality and download' to see if the image is avaialable on location, on one of the computers RKD's study room.

Click on ‘image quality and download’ below the image. You can download the image there. Larger sized images for study purposes are available to RKD Research subscribers. The resolution indicated under image quality and download is the highest available. Unfortunately, not all images are available in a larger size.

The RKD provides images for research, that is, for personal use. For publication, you need prior permission from the copyright holders. You are responsible for arranging rights for distribution or republication. See copyright.

Books in our library can be consulted on location in the RKD. Look under ‘copies’ at ‘location’. Does it say ‘Studiezaal’? Then you can take the publication from the shelf in the study room. Does it say ‘MAG’? Then the book is in the book depot. You can request the book via ‘reserve’, and it will be made available in the study room. You can find more information via this page.

Occasionally, a publication is available digitally. This is indicated by the location code. 

Are you unable to come to our study room? Then you can order digital photocopies.