The Facts
On September 14, 2026, the Rijksmuseum announced the appointment of Barbara Borghese (born 1971) as its new Head of Conservation & Science, effective mid-November. Borghese, an Italian conservator with over 20 years of experience, currently serves as Lead Conservator for Paper, Photographs & Books at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, where she leads a multidisciplinary team. She has previously held management and specialist roles at the British Library and the UK National Archives. At the Rijksmuseum, Borghese will oversee the Conservation & Science department, which is housed in the Atelier Building and includes seven research and restoration studios covering paintings, ceramics, metals, furniture, textiles, photography, and paper.
The Signal
The appointment signals the Rijksmuseum's continued investment in conservation leadership, bringing in an international specialist with deep expertise in paper and photographic materials—a growing priority for institutions managing modern and contemporary collections. Borghese's experience across major UK heritage institutions also strengthens the museum's ties to the broader European conservation network. The Atelier Building, which also hosts restoration departments from the University of Amsterdam and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, positions the Rijksmuseum as a central hub for conservation science and training, a strategic asset as museums worldwide face mounting preservation challenges.
- People: Barbara Borghese, Taco Dibbits
- Museums: Rijksmuseum, Victoria & Albert Museum, British Library, UK National Archives
- Locations: Amsterdam, London
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