Summary

A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships and Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowships are two-year, residential appointments that support research and writing for publication. In their first year, postdoctoral fellows design and direct an intensive weeklong seminar for the Center’s predoctoral fellows in residence, focusing on a topic related to the postdoctoral fellow’s field of interest and with a special emphasis on methodological issues. In the second year, postdoctoral fellows teach a course at a neighboring university. The A. W. Mellon and Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowships commence in alternating years.

Postdoctoral fellows receive an office in the National Gallery’s East Building as well as housing, subject to availability. They have access to the notable resources of the National Gallery, including its library and art collection, as well as those of greater Washington. Fellows participate in lectures, colloquia, and discussions with the Center’s vibrant community of scholars.

Key Details

Stipend: $55,000/year

Award Period: September 2027–August 2029

Deadline: October 15, 2026 (5 PM ET)

Eligibility

Fields of Study

A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships and Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowships support research in the history, theory, and criticism of the visual arts of any period or geographical area. We especially encourage applications that contribute to scholarship in understudied areas.

Qualifications

• Postdoctoral fellows must have received a PhD within the last five years (October 15, 2021–October 15, 2026).
• Individuals may not apply for other Center fellowships while an application is pending or once a fellowship has been awarded.
• Individuals currently affiliated with the National Gallery are not eligible for postdoctoral fellowships.
• Postdoctoral fellows may apply for a senior or visiting senior fellowship five years after the completion of their fellowship.

About

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through our doors each year—with even more online—making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.

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