The Museum offers forty-one paid internships for undergraduate and master's-degree students each year. Interns commence in June and are placed in host departments where they work closely with supervisors on special and ongoing projects. All paid interns also participate in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and receive training to teach in the Museum's galleries. Individuals selected for paid internships have the opportunity to meet and network with one another through MuSe and other intern events.
The Museum offers four internship tracks within the internship program:
Please select the track that best matches your qualifications and interests. The Summer Mentoring Program for College Juniors requires a separate application.
The application deadline for all paid internships for college and graduate students at the Main Building is January 9, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. (EST). We will not accept applications after the deadline.
Apply online.
International Applicants
Internships at the Metropolitan Museum are open to international applicants. Every foreign national who does not have the legal status to hold an internship and is accepted as a paid or unpaid intern must obtain a J-1 visa to participate in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's internship program. Although the Museum will act as your host institution, we cannot sponsor your visa. To participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program), you must go through an outside agency that has been authorized by the State Department to sponsor your J-1 trainee visa. These sponsors are responsible for supporting and monitoring foreign nationals during their exchange programs in the United States. We recommend that you consult with the U.S. embassy in your home country to determine which visa will allow you to participate in this internship. Please be aware that obtaining a visa is usually a lengthy process and can cost upwards of US$1,500; it must be completed well in advance of the internship start date.
Internships for college and graduate students are made possible by Ittleson Foundation, The Tianaderrah Foundation, The Billy Rose Foundation, The Lebensfeld Foundation, and The Solow Art and Architecture Foundation.
The Summer Mentoring Program for College Juniors
The Summer Mentoring Program is designed to encourage current college juniors from diverse backgrounds to pursue museum careers by offering a dynamic and hands-on introduction to the daily operations of one of the world's largest museums. Each intern is assigned to a department where he or she works closely with a supervisor on special and ongoing projects, and is also assigned a staff member outside of the department who serves as his or her mentor. Training is integral to the interns' experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through their departmental placements, interns participate in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interact directly with the Museum's diverse audience by assisting at the Information Desk and presenting Highlights and Special Topics Tours two half-days per week.
This program is offered by the Multicultural Audience Development Initiative in partnership with the Education Department.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curator talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. Mentee interns attend mandatory full-day MuSe sessions alongside other college interns for the first two weeks of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to college students of diverse backgrounds who will have completed their sophomore or junior year by the beginning of the internship. Preference will be given to those who will have completed their junior year. Current freshman and seniors are not eligible to apply.
Dates and Compensation
June 2–August 8, 2014
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $3,250 ($9.29/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions)
Intern Placement
Departmental placements reflect the diverse work conducted throughout the Museum and may include responsibilities such as researching ancient objects for potential merchandise, assisting with photo shoots, and writing condition reports on Museum objects. Placements vary depending on the ongoing and special project needs of individual departments.
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
Summer Internship for College Students
This program offers fifteen individuals interested in pursuing careers in the arts and museum fields a dynamic and hands-on introduction to the daily operations of one of the world's largest museums. Candidates from various academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Each intern is assigned to a department and works closely with a supervisor on special and ongoing projects. Training is integral to the interns' experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through their departmental placements, interns participate in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interact directly with the Museum's diverse audience by assisting at the Information Desk and presenting Highlights and Special Topics Tours two half-days per week.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curator talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. College interns attend mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first two weeks of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to current college seniors who will have graduated by the beginning of the program and individuals who completed their undergraduate degrees no more than one year prior to the application deadline. Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are not eligible to apply.
Dates and Compensation
June 2–August 8, 2014
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $3,500 ($10.00/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions)
Intern Placement
Placements vary depending on the ongoing and special project needs of individual departments. See College Internship Departmental Placements and Project Descriptions for a list of departmental placements and to apply.
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
Named Internships within the Paid Summer Internship for College Students
Of the fifteen selected college-level interns, four will be awarded one of the following named internships:
The Jack and Lewis Rudin Internships
Awarded to three college-level interns. There is no need to submit a separate application. Successful candidates participate in the Summer Internship for College Students program described above.
Supported by a generous grant from Jack and Susan Rudin
Roswell L. Gilpatric Internship
Individuals showing special interest in museum careers receive consideration for this award. There is no need to submit a separate application. Successful candidates participate in the Summer Internship for College Students program described above.
Made possible by The Thorne Foundation
Summer Internship for Graduate Students
This program offers fifteen individuals from various academic backgrounds the opportunity to help with projects related to the Museum's collections or special exhibitions. Training is integral to the interns' experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through their departmental placements, interns participate in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interact directly with the Museum's diverse audience by conducting gallery talks based on their areas of expertise.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curator talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. Graduate interns attend mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first week of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to individuals who are currently enrolled in a master's program or who have graduated from a master's program within one year of the application deadline. PhD candidates are not eligible to apply, but may be eligible for one of several Museum Fellowships.
Dates and Compensation
June 2–August 8, 2014
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $4,000 ($11.42/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions)
Intern Placement
Departmental placements vary depending on the ongoing and special project needs of individual departments. See Graduate Internship Departmental Placements and Project Descriptions for a list of departmental placements and to apply.
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
Named Internship within the Paid Summer Internship for Graduate Students
Of the fifteen selected graduate-level interns, one will be awarded the following named internship:
William Kelly Simpson Internship for Egyptian Art
This internship is intended for an individual who has completed the coursework for a master's degree in Egyptology or in art history with an emphasis on ancient Egyptian art. The intern works with the curatorial staff on projects related to the Museum's Egyptian collection or a special exhibition. There is no need to submit a separate application. Successful candidates participate in the Summer Internship for Graduate Students program described above.
Made possible by the Marilyn M. Simpson Charitable Trust
Long-Term Internships
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers seven full-time, long-term internships in curatorial, Education, and Digital Media departments:
These internships are intensive positions that offer on-the-job training in specific areas of the Museum's operations. Interns develop valuable skills that may be applied to positions in the arts and museum field going forward.
Six-Month Internship
Two six-month internships are awarded to individuals with a background in art history or related fields. Interns are placed in one of the Museum's departments, where they work on projects that match their academic background, professional skills, and career goals. Training is integral to the interns' experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through their departmental placements, interns participate in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interact directly with the Museum's diverse public by conducting gallery talks based on their areas of expertise.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curatorial talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. Six-month interns attend mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first two weeks of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to current college seniors who will have graduated by the beginning of the program, current graduate students, and individuals who completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees no more than one year prior to the application deadline. Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are not eligible to apply.
Dates and Compensation
June 2–November 28, 2014
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $12,503 ($13.74/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions)
Intern Placement
Placements vary depending on the ongoing and project needs of individual departments. The two Six-Month Internships may be offered in any of the departments offering Summer Internships for College and Graduate Students. If you would like to be considered for a Six-Month Internship, please be sure to check the appropriate box on the application.
If you are a college-level applicant, see College Internship Departmental Placements and Project Descriptions for a list of departmental placements and to apply.
If you are a graduate-level applicant, see Graduate Internship Departmental Placements and Project Descriptions for a list of departmental placements and to apply.
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
Lifchez/Stronach Nine-Month Curatorial Internship
This internship is awarded to an individual whose economic background might jeopardize the pursuit of a career in the arts or museum field. The intern is assigned to a curatorial department to work on projects that match his or her academic background, professional skills, and career goals. Training is integral to the intern's experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through the departmental placement, the intern participates in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interacts directly with the Museum's diverse public by conducting gallery talks based on his or her area of expertise.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curatorial talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. The Lifchez/Stronach Intern attends mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first two weeks of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to current college seniors who will have graduated by the beginning of the program, current graduate students, and individuals who completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees no more than one year prior to the application deadline. Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are not eligible to apply. Applicants should come from a background of financial need or other disadvantage that might jeopardize pursuit of a career in the arts or museum field.
Dates and Compensation
June 2, 2014–February 27, 2015
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $17,555 ($13.74/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions) and eligible to receive benefits currently offered to Non-Exempt Full-Time Employees of the Museum
Made possible by Judith Lee Stronach and Raymond Lifchez
If you are a college-level applicant, see College Internship Departmental Placements and Project Descriptions for a list of departmental placements and to apply.
If you are a graduate-level applicant, see Graduate Internship Departmental Placements and Project Descriptions for a list of departmental placements and to apply.
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Twelve-Month Curatorial Internship in American Decorative Arts
This twelve-month internship is awarded to an individual who will have completed a master's degree by the beginning of the program or who completed a master's degree no more than one year prior to the application deadline. The intern assists curators in The American Wing with research and documentation of the permanent collections, special exhibitions, or additional ongoing departmental projects. Training is integral to the intern's experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through the departmental placement, the intern participates in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interacts directly with the diverse Museum audience by conducting gallery talks based on his or her area of expertise.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curatorial talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Curatorial Intern attends mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first week of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to individuals who will have completed a master's degree in a field related to American decorative arts by the beginning of the program, or who completed a master's degree in a field related to American decorative arts no more than one year prior to the application deadline.
Dates and Compensation
June 2, 2014–May 22, 2015
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $25,000 ($13.74/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions) and eligible to receive benefits currently offered to Non-Exempt Full-Time Employees of the Museum; $3,000 stipend available for research and educational travel
Made possible by The Tiffany & Co. Foundation
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
Twelve-Month Editorial Internship in Education
The Education Department offers one twelve-month internship designed for an individual with a background in education, art history, design, or a related humanities field who is interested in the production of print and online publications for families, teachers, students, and the general Museum public. The internship requires exceptional writing ability and a demonstrated attention to detail, and focuses on the further development of editorial skills. No previous production experience is necessary, but strong and varied computer skills and undergraduate coursework in at least one of the areas mentioned above are required. Design skills are preferred. Training is integral to the intern's experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through the departmental placement, the intern participates in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interacts directly with the diverse Museum audience by conducting Highlights Tours.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curatorial talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. The Editorial Intern in Education attends mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first two weeks of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to current college seniors who will have graduated by the beginning of the program and individuals who completed their undergraduate degrees no more than one year prior to the application deadline. Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are not eligible to apply.
Dates and Compensation
June 2, 2014–May 22, 2015
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $25,000 ($13.74/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions) and eligible to receive benefits currently offered to Non-Exempt Full-Time Employees of the Museum
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
Twelve-Month Internship in Education
The Education Department offers one twelve-month internship for an individual interested in museum education. The intern supports an array of activities and projects that engage young visitors with original works of art during the school day, as well as after school and on weekends. These include K–12 student and teacher programs as well as family, teen, and multi-age events. For approximately three days per week, the intern learns about and contributes to the School and Teacher Programs division. In the School Programs area, he or she is trained to guide school groups, support ongoing training of Museum volunteers, administer post-program surveys, and oversee an internal blog. In the K–12 Educator Programs area, the intern assists with educator workshops and events and creates evaluation summaries. The intern also assists in curriculum and administrative planning for the High School Internship Program. For the remaining two days of the week, the intern learns about and contributes to activities for young people in the Gallery and Studio Programs division. Specifically, the intern assists with program preparation for family and multiage workshops, gallery tours, and festivals; writes evaluation summaries; assists during events and programs as needed; helps edit the Museum's Teen Blog; and contributes to the Museum's Facebook page. Training is integral to the intern's experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through the departmental placement, the intern participates in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interacts directly with the Museum's diverse audience by conducting Highlights Tours.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curatorial talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery talks and tours. The Twelve-Month Intern in Education attends mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first two weeks of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to current college seniors who will have graduated by the beginning of the program and individuals who completed their undergraduate degrees no more than one year prior to the application deadline. Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are not eligible to apply.
Dates and Compensation
June 2, 2014–May 22, 2015
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $25,000 ($13.74/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions) and eligible to receive benefits currently offered to Non-Exempt Full-Time Employees of the Museum
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
Twelve-Month Internship in Digital Media
The Digital Media Department offers one twelve-month internship for an individual with a background in video, media, design, art history, computer science, or related fields who would like to participate in the creation of new media and technology solutions. Digital Media leads the creation, production, presentation, and dissemination of the Museum's multimedia content to support the viewing and understanding of the Met's collections and exhibitions, both in the galleries and online. The department is responsible for managing electronic documentation and digital assets associated with the Museum's collections, publishing the collections information to a variety of platforms, and ensuring greater access to the Met's digital resources. It also supports and develops public-facing technologies and is responsible for the Museum's presence and participation in the online environment. The Twelve-Month Intern in Digital Media will assist with all of these tasks. No previous production experience is necessary, but strong and varied computer skills and undergraduate coursework in at least one of the areas mentioned above are required. Training is integral to the intern's experience; in addition to developing practical work skills through the departmental placement, the intern participates in MuSe (Museum Seminars) and interacts directly with the Museum's diverse audience by conducting Highlights Tours.
MuSe
The internship commences with MuSe (Museum Seminars), a series of curatorial talks in the galleries and presentations by executive staff that introduce interns to the curatorial, educational, and operational structure of the Museum. The seminars also include hands-on workshops and practice sessions to prepare interns to lead gallery tours. The Twelve-Month Video/Media Production Intern attends mandatory full-day MuSe sessions for the first two weeks of the program, and then each Monday throughout the rest of the summer.
Eligibility
This internship is open to current master's-level graduate students and college seniors who will have graduated by the beginning of the program. Individuals must have completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees no more than one year prior to the application deadline. Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are not eligible to apply.
Dates and Compensation
June 2, 2014–May 22, 2015
Full time: five days, thirty-five hours per week
Compensation: approximately $25,000 ($13.74/hour, less applicable taxes and deductions) and eligible to receive benefits currently offered to Non-Exempt Full-Time Employees of the Museum
Apply online.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status, and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Internship Descriptions
Please review the following descriptions of college and graduate internship departmental placements and projects before applying.
