Exhibition Royal Award for Modern Painting 2026

Discover the work of up-and-coming young artists at the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

In early February, His Majesty the King will present the Royal Award for Modern Painting 2026 and officially open the exhibition. Visitors will discover, from 4 February to 29 March, the work of emerging artists and explore the latest trends in contemporary painting at the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

Established in 1871 by King Willem III as the Royal Grant for Painting, the Award is one of the oldest art Awards in the Netherlands, offering a platform for promising young artists.

The nominees for the 155th edition will be announced soon.

The Exhibition

Each year, discover the work of up-and-coming young artists at the Royal Palace Amsterdam.

Each year the exhibition opens after the award ceremony of the Royal Award for Modern Painting. Around thirty works of art by the nominated and winning artists are shown.

The exhibition shows what is going on among the current generation of young artists. From abstract- to realistic-styles, from socially engaged to deeply personal – this selection reflects the rich diversity of contemporary painting. You are welcome to visit! The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to discover the future of Dutch painting.

The Public Award

The exhibiting artists also have a chance to win the audience award. During the visit, cast a vote for one of the exhibited works. The painting with the most votes will be raffled off among visitors who express a preference for this artwork.

Look back: nominees of 2025

The nominees for the Royal Award of Modern Painting 2025 are: Taqwa Ali, Akiboji, Gegee Ayurzana, Eniwaye Oluwaseyi, Eddy Eustache, Jesse Fischer, Lieve Hakkers, Frederique Jonker, Shani Leseman, Samuel Mackiewicz, Jochem Mestriner, Josse Pyl, Pedram Sazesh, Thijs Segers en Marilyn Sonneveld.

Jury 2025

According to the jury, this edition reflects a striking cultural diversity among the entries, with many artists showing a preference for figuration and forms of realism. The jury consists of: Mounira Al Solh, Laurie Cluitmans, Esiri Erheriene-Essi, Yasmijn Jarram, Natasja Kensmil, Rezi van Lankveld, Mirjam Westen (chair).

Download the jury report here.

Open Call 2027

The OPEN CALL for the Royal Award for Modern Painting 2027 will open in June 2026. To be informed, keep an eye on the social media channels of the Royal Palace Amsterdam.