The Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency (Rijksdienst voor Cultureel Erfgoed#

The Cultural Heritage Agency is part of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science the Cultural Heritage. The Agency is a research institute and centre of excellence on monuments, historic buildings, archaeology, landscape, and fine and applied arts. The government incorporates the Agency’s specialist knowledge into legislation and rules designed to protect and develop the heritage. We are also charged with implementing and enforcing the Monuments and Historic Buildings Act, taking action where necessary when the heritage is threatened.

In our role as a government agency, we maintain an overview of the cultural heritage throughout the country, including the legislation governing it. We tell the stories behind our cultural heritage and advise national, regional and local authorities, museums and other heritage organizations in their decision making. The Agency facilitates an infrastructure for heritage organisations to connect and exchange data and knowledge on cultural heritage. We also make a valuable contribution to international cooperation in this field through the exchange of knowledge and information.