Graduate Internships in Objects Conservation
The Met's Department of Objects Conservation, a dynamic and diverse department with over twenty-five full-time conservators, awards internships to students enrolled in advanced conservation programs as an integral part of their training. During the internship, graduate interns work alongside and learn from conservators under whose supervision they carry out in-depth treatment on a broad range of three-dimensional objects, ranging from archaeological to modern materials, including (but not limited to) ceramics, glass, metals, stone, and furniture. While the focus is on treatment, some analytical investigation may be carried out when relevant.
In addition to practical training, interns are immersed in The Met's community of interns through weekly intern programs. These sessions include discussions, talks in the galleries and presentations by staff from various departments. Interns receive free admission to The Met, as well as other collections and research libraries in the New York metropolitan area.
Please note that the number of internships we are able to award is small, and varies each semester/year, subject to the availability of projects and staff resources.
The information on this page reflects The Met's current plans as of November 2020. However, due to the unpredictable and continually evolving circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Museum may need to change, delay, shorten, and/or cancel the 2021 programs. We will provide periodic updates regarding any major changes or developments.
Program Information
Conservation training programs around the world have various time requirements for practical training. Graduate students in conservation programs in the United States should apply for the eleven-month internship, which is a full-time commitment during that period. Some international programs may require internships ranging from three to eleven months; on your application you will select the time period(s) for which you wish to be considered for an internship.
Eleven-month internship: mid-September through mid-August, available to students enrolled in both U.S. and international programs.
Three- to six-month internships: Some shorter internships may be available to students from conservation training programs outside the United States. These internships may take place during any three- to six-month interval, and begin in either September or February.
Summer internships: Conservation students are also eligible to participate in The Met's ten-week Summer MuSe Internship Program.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a recognized graduate conservation training program that specifies an internship as part of the degree requirements (exceptions may be considered for those in a program without a required internship year). Applicants must have completed at least three semesters of their training program. Ability to speak and write in English is essential.
Applicants must have external funding from their school to fully support them during the internship. Please note that we cannot supplement grants or stipends provided by the applicant's graduate program.
Internships at The Met are open to international applicants. Interns are responsible for ensuring that they have valid legal status under applicable U.S. visa regulations while participating in the Museum's program. Although the Museum will act as your host institution, the Museum does not sponsor visas for interns. If you require a visa, you may be eligible to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program), by going through an outside agency that has been authorized by the State Department to sponsor a 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.
How to Apply
Students enrolled in U.S. conservation programs: apply online.
Students enrolled in conservation training programs outside the U.S.: apply online.
Deadlines
| Internships Beginning | Application Open Between | Interview | Final Notification |
| Fall semester | Nov 1 and Dec 31 of previous year | January/February |
Late February/early March |
| Spring semester | Jan 1 and Feb 28 of previous year | March | Late April |
The application requires a statement of interest explaining what you hope to achieve from an internship at The Met, specifying any areas of interest for conservation treatments, a curriculum vitae, and two confidential letters of recommendation, to be submitted online. At least one letter should be from someone outside your academic program. You will receive the link to send to your recommenders on the application form.
Onsite interviews are preferred, but telephone/digital interviews can be arranged.
If you have any questions, you may contact collegeprograms@metmuseum.org. Please note, however, that we are unable to provide any feedback on the status of your application. Please do not contact individual Met staff to inquire about internships.