Skip to main content

About Rijksmuseum Collection Online

The information on these pages complements the About page of the Collection Online. With the intention to offer as much transparancy as possible, these pages offer more technical and practical information on how the platform of Collection Online was build, by whom and how it can be used.

History of Digital Collection Collaboration @ Rijksmuseum​

Rijksmuseum’s digital collection discovery and integration across its cultural heritage collections builds on efforts that began several decades earlier with the automation of museum collection administrations, the implementation of library and collection management systems and the decade-long systematic digitisation of the collections (with projects like PK Online and VOILA), integrated with the implementation of DAM systems and – as of lately - the current implementation of a research data reposity and a semantic integration layer. This history reflects a growing commitment at Rijksmuseum to approach all collections from a unified view of a hybrid collection, reflecting the current – third – iteration of the digital strategy of the museum which states that it is crucial to connect visitors with the Rijksmuseum collection through polyphonic stories about art and history, off line ánd online.

Technology​

Achieving interoperability of data and digital content is a major goal and affects many of the decisions made.

Knowledge Integration and Reuse​

The Rijksmuseum dataset in the integration layer is comprised of information from several distinct catalogs for cultural heritage collections, parts of it will be added in the coming years:

  • Rijksmuseum Collection (2024)
  • Rijksmuseum Research Library (2024)
  • Rijksmuseum Object Documentation (2025)
  • Rijksmuseum Research Data (2026)
  • Rijksmuseum Institutional Archive (2027)

While collecting the information into the Rijksmuseum integration layer, alignments are created through local harmonization between the systems, reconciliation with external authorities, and enrichment of the knowledge from trusted external sources.

Background about Linked Open Data, the Semantic Integration Layer and Collection Online:

Architecture & platforms​

The Integration Layer is made up of several layers, each comprising components hosted on Microsoft Azure.

General infrastructure​

  • Components run as containerized Python services, orchestrated by a Kubernetes cluster hosted on the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
  • The entire system is decoupled using RabbitMQ exchanges and queues.
  • Each source system record passes through the Integration Layer as individual messages between components.
  • The primary transformation logic is maintained in a shared library called the Pattern Book.

Source system and data transformation layer​

  • Data is harvested continuously, based on change detection of source system records. It enters the Integration Layer in Activity Streams wrappers.
  • Incoming data is validated and transformed into a domain model, using XSL transformations to produce RDF/XML. These models are:
    • CIDOC CRM for the collection
    • BIBFRAME for the library
    • Records in Contexts (RiC-O) for the archive
  • Transformed records are validated and published on a RabbitMQ exchange.

Domain layer​

  • Transformed records are consumed from the source system layer exchange and inserted into a central triple store – the Domain Store. This is an Ontotext GraphDB instance, running on an Azure VM.
  • Data is reconciled and given shared identifiers. The component responsible for minting shared identifiers uses an Azure SQL relational database as its backing store
  • A persistent store of known identifiers is kept in another Azure SQL database, to enable deletion detection in source systems that do not support this in their API.

Access model transformation layer​

  • Based on change-events from the domain layer access models (e.g. Schema.org, Linked Art and EDM) are produced by running construct queries on the domain store.
  • Additional postprocessing steps may be run, like framing JSON-LD documents.
  • Produced access models are published on a RabbitMQ exchange.

Data services layer​

  • Data services consume messages from the access layer exchange and filter out messages based on their needs.
  • Each data service keeps its own data in a store appropriate for the use case:
    • Azure SQL for the IIIF Change Discovery, LDES, OAI-PMH and Resolver services.
    • Ontotext GraphDB for the backing store of the Rijksmuseum.nl website.

Rijksmuseum.nl website infrastructure​

  • A separate data pipeline is used to collect relevant data and links using SPARQL queries.
  • The advanced search on the website is powered by a Neo4j property graph database, combined with Elastic Search.

From Open to FAIR​

For over a decade, the Rijksmuseum has been promoting open information and data in museums. Since 2012 there was a de facto open data policy. Via Collection Online, the entire collection has become available as open as possible in high-resolution images and metadata, free to download and reuse without restrictions under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Public Domain Dedication wherever possible. This was driven by a firm belief that information and data can connect individuals with art and history. Yet, the Rijksmuseum also recognize the importance of moving beyond a binary "open or closed" approach toward a more nuanced strategy. Also research data is becoming increasingly important in our museum, which means the msueum need to consider how to make it available, in line with Open Science practices.

The Rijksmsueum now focus on ensuring that the information and data that is shared, aligns with the FAIR data principles—making them Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable by both humans and machines. Since 2021, the FAIR data principles have been a key component of the Rijksmuseum's Digital Strategy, guiding how we manage and share data in an increasingly complex digital context. A more nuanced approach also emphasizes inclusivity, transparency, and ethical stewardship, aligning among others with the CARE principles for Indigenous Data Governance. In 2024, a revised and extended Information and Data Policy was launched. By adhering to international standards, adopting open formats where possible, and fostering collaboration with other institutions, the Rijksmuseum wants to ensure that its digital collections are not only as open as possible and closed when necessary but also structured for academic, computational, and public (re)use.

More information can be found here (in Dutch and English).

Acknowledgement Statement​

This text is heavily reliant on the About Pages of the LUX: Yale Collections Discovery project. We are indebted to Rob Sanderson and and his Cultural Heritage Information Technology (CHIT) team at Yale University for setting an example and generously sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions​

General Information​

What is the Rijksmuseum Collection Online?

The Rijksmuseum Collection Online is a digital platform providing global access to over a million items, including works of art and books from the museum’s extensive collections. In the future object documentation, research data and possibly other relevant data will be added too. For now, it offers high-resolution images and comprehensive metadata, making the rich cultural heritage of the Rijksmuseum accessible for research, education, and personal discovery.

What can I do with the Rijksmuseum Collection Online?

Using the Rijksmuseum Collection Online, you can discover objects and resources and uncover connections between different items across the museum’s broad collections. You can also delve deeper into relationships with people, places, and historical events tied to the items you discover. The platform allows you to start your research, expand your knowledge, or simply satisfy your curiosity about the museum’s rich and diverse items. You may also find it useful for identifying works and their locations before planning your visit to the Rijksmuseum.

Who can use the Rijksmuseum Collection Online?

The Rijksmuseum Collection Online is open to everyone, from researchers and students to art enthusiasts and casual visitors. It integrates items from diverse categories, allowing users to uncover connections across time, geography, and medium. Collection Online is designed to inspire discovery and research for all audiences.

Are there other Rijksmuseum resources that are relevant for use, in addition to the Rijksmuseum Collection Online?

While the Rijksmuseum Collection Online brings together a vast range of items from the museum's collections for discovery, there are some features and resources that are not integrated. For an overview of all these resources visit the Collections and Services page.

Rijksmuseum Library Catalogue You can find a link to the full Library Catalogue on each item's page of Collection Online. If you want to request publications, books, other library materials, or scans you can use the Rijksmuseum Library Catalogue. The catalogue provides detailed bibliographic records for books, exhibition catalogues, and more.

Rijksmuseum Object Documentation Rijksmuseum staff have been collecting documentation about the meaning, function and/or provenance of objects in the collection ever since the museum was founded. This documentation includes written articles, newspaper clippings, restoration documentation, black-and-white photographs and more recent photographs, provenance information, etc. The contents of these files can vary greatly depending on the object itself. A large part of the collection documentation is available for research purposes. For more information on how to get access to the documentation, see here.

Study Room Prints and Drawings Materials such as prints, drawings, and other works on paper are available for study at the Study Room for Prints and Drawings. Access to these materials is by appointment. For more detailed information and access to these resources, you can visit the Rijksmuseum Research Library and Study Room services page.

Using Collection Online​

How do I search the collection?

To search the collection, type one or more keywords into the search bar and press Enter or click the magnifying glass icon. The results will display all items matching your terms from different sections, such as “Artworks”, “Library”, and “Visitor Stories”. You can easily switch between these collections by selecting the relevant section to refine your results. You can further narrow your search using filters like maker, period, material, and location. Advanced filtering options allow for more targeted searches, helping you combine multiple criteria to focus on specific interests or narrow down your results further. These tools make it easy to navigate and uncover connections across the collection, ensuring a tailored search experience.

What additional tools are available for exploration?

The Rijksmuseum Collection Online offers a range of advanced features to enhance your experience. In the top-right corner of each item, the plus (+) icon opens a menu with options to download high-resolution images, add items to your collection, compare works, or explore related pieces in your personal Gallery of Honour.

A visual search icon grants access to the visual search tool, allowing you to discover similar items based on visual patterns and details found online. Additionally, the three-dot menu provides advanced settings for further customization. These features streamline exploration, enabling users to save, organize, and analyze items with ease.

Content and Data​

What metadata is included?

The data includes details about among others the item's maker, origin, materials and techniques, dimensions, and provenance. It also provides information about acquisition and rights. All information is curated by Rijksmuseum experts and, where possible, enriched with links to external metadata.

Access and Usage​

How can I obtain information about an artwork from the Rijksmuseum's collection?

The Rijksmuseum Collection Online offers searchable access to nearly the entire museum collection. Each object’s page contains detailed information, including object data and catalogue entries, with references to relevant literature when available. Additionally, publicly accessible documentation, archival materials, and research data are provided for research purposes.

For more in-depth research, you can visit the Rijksmuseum Research Library and the Study Room for Prints and Drawings by appointment. In the Research Library, you can request and view publications and documentation, while the Study Room offers access to prints, drawings, photographs, and other works on paper. For further details, including practical information about visiting, please read more about the collections and services at the Rijksmuseum Research Library and Study Room.

Can I use images for personal, academic projects or commercial purposes?

Most images in the Rijksmuseum Collection Online are freely available for download in high resolution and can be used for both personal and commercial purposes. In these cases, you will find a Public Domain or Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Public Domain Dedication under the copyright notice - which means that the material is either free of copyright, or the Rijksmuseum has waived its rights. For a detailed overview of copyright regulations, refer to the Information and Data Policy.

How can I order images from the collection?

To order photos of objects from the Rijksmuseum collection, you can use the request form on the Requesting Image page.

What should I do if an object is not digitized?

For undigitized objects, you can request access on the Collections and Services page.

Are there restrictions on certain items?

Yes, some works may not be available due to copyright, preservation concerns, or ongoing research.

Technical Support​

What browsers work best?

The Online Collection is optimized for modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

What should I do if I encounter issues?

Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version. If problems persist, visit the museum’s Contact page for assistance.

Contact​

Use the contact form on the Contact page.

Terms and Conditions​

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/footer/terms-and-conditions

Accessibility​

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/visit/accessibility

Privacy​

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/footer/privacybeleid