University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Centre for Golden Age Studies

The Amsterdam Centre for the Study of the Golden Age coordinates the research of the ICH interdisciplinary programme Dutch Golden Age of the Humanities Faculty at the University of Amsterdam.

The Dutch Golden Age programme explores the making of the Dutch Republic, its key role in the economy, politics and culture of Europe and the world, and its transition to a less dominant position. It focuses on the art, culture and history of the Dutch Golden Age in an international and interdisciplinary context. Emphasis is on the construction, dissemination and interpretation of artefacts as well as ideas in the 'long' Golden Age (c. 1550-1750).

The Centre has brought together various fields in early modern culture. Tenured professors from the following disciplines participate with their staff: History (Henk van Nierop), Dutch Literature (Lia van Gemert), and Art (Frans Grijzenhout). The Centre also welcomes special professor in Business History Joost Jonker. Invited scholars can be a guest of the Centre. The scholars of the research programme are the members of the Centre.

There are lively contacts with cultural heritage institutions, including the Special Collections of the University Library, the Amsterdam Museum, the Amsterdam City Archive, the National Maritime Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandthuis, and the Jewish Historical Museum.

The Centre stimulates contacts between scholars in- and outside the University of Amsterdam. At its regular interdisciplinary research seminar (6-8 meetings per year), invited speakers discuss current research themes. Admission to these seminars is free.

The Centre produces its own peer-reviewed book series: Amsterdam Studies in the Dutch Golden Age (published by Amsterdam University Press).

The Centre organizes projects and conferences in cooperation with external parties, including research institutes and cultural heritage institutions such as libraries, museums and archives.

The Centre offers various educational tracks about the Dutch Golden Age in its global context, including Bachelor and Master courses, a one year regular Master track and a Research Master track.