A story by Elmer Sterken
Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome
The Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (KNIR) exists since 1904. When the Vatican library opened the archives for research around 1880, many countries opened institutes in Rome in the following years. Started as the Dutch Historical Institute, the KNIR was awarded the predicate Royal when it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004. The institute has three core areas: antiquity/archeology, history and art history. For Dutch universities with a large humanities faculty, it is a supporting point in the Eternal City. For decades, researchers and students come together to study the scientific aspects of Italy in general and Rome in particular. The KNIR not only has its own library but also offers an extensive network on site.
Students and scientists who have visited the KNIR share an important characteristic: they really would like to come back. There is a close KNIR community, not only in the institute and in Rome itself but also at home in the Netherlands. The KNIR also provides a warmhearted welcome and stay to participants in the Artist-in-Residence program with the KNAW. The Artist-in-Residence intervenes in the debates between students and scientists and creates an extra bridge between art and science, a very useful cross-pollination.
After receipt, the KNIR proudly waves the Flag of Compassion on the terrace of the first floor of the stately villa on Via Omero in the Valle Giulia. Because the KNIR lives from compassion, supports compassion, promotes compassion and brings education and research with compassion. On behalf of the entire KNIR community - in Rome and elsewhere in the world!
Elmer Sterken
Interim director of the KNIR
