Apply Now: Professor Martin Warnke Residency Program

The Goethe-Institut’s Professor Martin Warnke Residency Program offers scholars working on doctoral theses or holding doctoral degrees a four-week research residency at the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The program provides workspace, library and archive access, accommodation, and engagement with the museum’s academic community for research related to art history and the museum’s collections.

Overview of the Residency

The Professor Martin Warnke Residency Program supports focused academic research in art history and related disciplines connected to the collections of the Museo del Prado. It enables scholars to deepen research, access primary sources, and engage with the museum’s academic community in a dedicated residency setting.

Key objectives include:

• Supporting doctoral and post-doctoral research in art history

• Providing access to the Museo del Prado’s collections, archives, and databases

• Facilitating engagement with the museum’s academic and scholarly network

• Enhancing academic output related to the museum’s collections

Residency Details

• Duration: Four weeks, 1–30 September 2026 (alternative dates in autumn 2026 may be considered)

• Location: Centro de Estudios, Museo del Prado, Madrid

• Workspace: Desk at the research center, extended library and archive access

• Access:

  • Museum databases and documentation systems

  • Museum archives, library, and collection management tools

  • Opportunities to interact with museum scholars and academic staff

• Accommodation: Free stay in a Goethe-Institut-provided apartment, including access to a study room for workspace

• Funding: Accommodation and institutional research access are provided; no additional stipend specified

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be writing a doctoral thesis or hold a doctoral degree

• Be permanent residents of a European Union country

• Have research interests related to the Museo del Prado collections or associated art historical topics

• There is no age limit, and previous participants may reapply

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure doctoral status and EU residency

2. Prepare Research Proposal – Outline focus, objectives, and relevance to the Prado collections

3. Specify Residency Dates – Preferred period within September 2026 or alternative autumn dates

4. Submit Application – Follow the Goethe-Institut Madrid application portal or instructions

5. Engage During Residency – Use workspace, archives, and databases; collaborate with the academic community

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define how your research relates to the Museo del Prado collections

• Demonstrate scholarly relevance and expected contribution to art history or related fields

• Highlight methodology, access to primary sources, and potential outcomes

• Specify preferred residency dates and any special requirements for workspace or accommodation

FAQs

1. Who can apply?
Doctoral candidates or researchers holding a doctoral degree with interests in art history or related fields connected to the Prado collections.

2. Where does the residency take place?
At the Centro de Estudios, Museo del Prado, Madrid, with accommodation in a Goethe-Institut-provided apartment.

3. What is included in the residency?
Workspace, access to library, archives, databases, interaction with museum scholars, and free accommodation.

4. Are there restrictions on residency dates?
The primary period is 1–30 September 2026; alternative autumn dates may be requested and approved.

5. Is there an age limit?
No, the residency is open to scholars of all ages.

6. Can previous participants apply again?
Yes, researchers who have previously completed this residency may reapply.

7. Is financial support provided beyond accommodation?
No additional funding is specified; the program covers accommodation and research access.

Conclusion

The Professor Martin Warnke Residency Program offers EU-based doctoral and post-doctoral scholars a unique opportunity to conduct in-depth research at the Museo del Prado. With access to collections, archives, databases, and academic networks, participants can advance scholarship in art history while benefiting from a fully supported research environment in Madrid.