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Exhibition Design Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Axiom Custom Products

Design Intern

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Internship duration is 2-3 months. Qualifications: * Pursuing or recently completed a degree in architecture, interior design, graphic design, environmental design, exhibition design, or related ...

Axiom Custom Products

Design Intern

Portland, OR · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Internship duration is 2-3 months. Qualifications: * Pursuing or recently completed a degree in architecture, interior design, graphic design, environmental design, exhibition design, or related ...

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How much do exhibition design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for exhibition design internship in the United States is $16.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exhibition Design Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exhibition Design Intern, you need a foundation in design principles, spatial planning, and proficiency with design software, often supported by coursework or a degree in design, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, AutoCAD, and 3D rendering software is typically expected. Strong communication, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure that exhibition concepts are both visually compelling and functionally effective, meeting client and visitor needs within project constraints.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during an Exhibition Design Internship?

As an Exhibition Design Intern, you'll typically assist with conceptualizing, planning, and executing visual designs for museum exhibits, trade shows, or other display environments. Your responsibilities may include creating digital renderings, building physical models, researching materials, collaborating with curators and fabrication teams, and supporting the installation process. You’ll gain hands-on experience working within a multidisciplinary team, learning how to balance creative ideas with practical constraints such as budget, timeline, and visitor experience. This role offers a great opportunity to develop your portfolio and gain industry insights that are valuable for future career growth in exhibition or spatial design.

What is an Exhibition Design Internship?

An Exhibition Design Internship is a temporary, hands-on learning opportunity where interns assist professional exhibition designers in creating displays for museums, galleries, trade shows, or events. Interns may be involved in tasks such as conceptualizing layouts, selecting materials, drafting plans, and sometimes even helping with installation. This internship helps students or recent graduates gain valuable experience in spatial design, project management, and collaboration with curators and other creative professionals. It's a great way to build a portfolio and network within the industry.

What is the difference between Exhibition Design Internship vs Exhibition Designer?

AspectExhibition Design InternshipExhibition Designer
CredentialsRelevant coursework, portfolio, sometimes a degree in design or related fieldDegree in design, architecture, or related field; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, assisting in design teams, temporary or project-basedFull-time employment, leading design projects, client interactions
Industry UsageEntry-level position, training role within design firms or museumsProfessional role, responsible for conceptualizing and executing exhibition spaces

In summary, an Exhibition Design Internship is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting with exhibition projects, while an Exhibition Designer is a professional responsible for designing and managing exhibition spaces. Internships provide foundational experience, whereas designers lead projects and make key creative decisions.

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Exhibition Design Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exhibition Design Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,957 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
[Fall 2026] Exhibition Design Internship

[Fall 2026] Exhibition Design Internship

Whitney Museum of American Art

New York, NY • On-site

Internship

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The program will begin on September 15, 2026, and end on December 5, 2026. Participants must be available Monday through Friday for nine consecutive weeks, five days per week. Interns are assigned to a specific department at the Museum for the duration of the internship.
For more information, including information on eligibility requirements, please visit our internships page.
The application window for our Fall 2026 Ostrover Family Academic Internship is now open through August 14. Please note that all candidates will be considered on a rolling basis, and as such, some opportunities may close before the deadline.
The Whitney seeks an Exhibition Design intern for Fall 2026.
Expected Projects & Assignments
  • Interns will participate in departmental design charrettes and meetings with exhibition curators to review design concepts and art layouts as well as planning meetings involving colleagues across the institution (via Zoom and in-person)
  • Interns will also assist in making art layouts, scaled maquettes of the artwork, study models, full scale mockups and presentation materials
  • When possible, interns will observe and assist on the floor during construction and installation

Skills & Qualifications
  • Enrolled in architecture, exhibition design, or set design program
  • 2D and 3D Drafting Skills Required
  • Facility with building both study and finish models
  • Ability to think abstractly and creatively Concern for details
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced environment on simultaneous projects
  • When applying, candidates must provide their portfolio as a PDF along with their resume and essay
  • Undergraduates and graduates currently enrolled in accredited academic year programs are eligible
  • While a demonstrated interest in art and art history is preferred, students in all majors are encouraged to apply
  • Previous museum experience is not required

Provided Training
  • Interns will be exposed to the process of how exhibitions are realized from conception to installation and the role of Exhibition Design in that process
  • Interns will work alongside designers and curators to develop an exhibition's narrative and environment
  • Interns will learn the tools designers use to communicate spatial and conceptual ideas to curators and the larger institution
  • Training in developing scaled models of the art work, working with architectural models of the exhibition, developing larger mock ups, developing architectural drawings, and looking critically at art layout in terms of the curatorial narrative

Outcomes
  • Learning the skills to help assess art checklists, developing three-dimensional thinking with 2D and 3D work, learning the fundamentals of exhibition design planning. Gaining insight from how a large museum of this scale works and how other departments affect exhibition design.

Compensation
Interns will be paid a stipend of $3000.
Generous support for Ostrover Family Academic Year Interns is provided by Julie and Doug Ostrover.
If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you're new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.
About the Whitney:
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
EEO Statement:
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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