Theodore Rousseau Fellowship
Theodore Rousseau Fellowship supports scholars’ independent research on The Met collection through close study of paintings in Europe, connecting the Museum’s holdings with research in European institutions.
Funder: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Due Dates: October 15, 2026, 5 pm ET (Application) | Last Friday in February 2027 (Notification) | September 1, 2027–August 31, 2028 (Fellowship period)
Funding Amounts: $53,000 junior or $63,000 senior stipend for one year, plus $6,000 research travel and monthly health-insurance support
Summary: Supports independent research related to The Met collection that requires close study of painting collections in Europe.
Key Information: This off-site fellowship does not require residency at The Met.
Description
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Theodore Rousseau Fellowship supports scholars whose independent research requires travel to study painting collections in Europe. Projects must relate to The Met collection while pursuing complementary research in European institutions. Research need not focus entirely on European art, but it should deeply engage with paintings held in Europe. The fellowship encourages connections with European institutions and access to works of art, archives, and scholarly communities beyond the Museum.
This is the only Met fellowship that does not require residency at the Museum. Each fellow receives guidance and mentorship from a dedicated Met supervisor throughout the research period. Fellows may choose to visit or spend a limited amount of time at The Met alongside their research abroad.
