 History and status
When the Vatican Archives opened their doors to scholars in 1880, by order of Pope Leo XIII, this important initiative aroused an interest in the Netherlands to gain access to archive documents with information about the history of the Netherlands. The foundation of the Dutch Institute in Rome in 1904 was made possible thanks to historian Petrus J. Blok of the University of Leiden and Victor de Stuers, head of the 'Arts and Sciences' department of the Dutch Interior Ministry. Set up as a Historical Institute, its focus area soon expanded with the addition of archaeological studies and art history studies.
Since 1933 the Institute is housed in its own building in Via Omero with an impressive library, offices and accommodation for scholars and students. In 1991 its status as a ministerial institution was changed into interuniversity institute. The Board of Governors comprises representatives of six Dutch universities and representatives of two ministries. The Institute is administered by the University of Groningen. On 16 August 2004, on the occasion of its first centenary, Her Majesty Queen of the Netherlands conferred the Royal title on the Institute.
Roles and competencies
The Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome is primarily a research and educational institution, acting as the longa manus of Dutch universities in Italy. It also plays a cultural and social role. The Institute’s academic staff consists of specialists in the fields of archaeology, history and art history.
In addition to acting as intermediaries for their Dutch colleagues they also conduct their own research projects, tutor PhD students and develop courses for Dutch university students. The research and educational activities conducted at the Institute have a strong focus on the history and culture of Rome, often in relation to the Netherlands.
International context
As a member of the International Union of Archaeological, Historical and Art History Institutes in Rome, the Royal Netherlands Institute takes part in international scientific activities in Rome. These collaborations with other, Italian and non-Italian, institutes form the basis of its mediating role in Italy on behalf of the Netherlands.
From this viewpoint, one of its main tasks is to organise conferences in collaboration with universities and other scientific institutions in Italy and in the Netherlands.
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The Institute 
