ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Internship Museum Cataloging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cincinnati Art Museum

Paid Internship

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

INTERNSHIP POSITION SUMMARY The Cincinnati Art Museum has an opening for a Curatorial Intern ... The Curatorial Intern will assist in cataloging and processing a transformational gift of 85 modern ...

Washington University of St. Louis

Undertakes cataloging and condition reporting of collection objects. * Responsible for the accurate ... Ability to supervise student assistants, vendors, contractors, and interns. Preferred ...

Shaker Village

Museum Intern

Harrodsburg, KY · On-site

$1.5K/wk

... cataloging institutional archives, and assisting with other collections management tasks. Time and ... This internship is a career development opportunity designed to give college students or recent ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMuseum Cataloging JobsInternship Museum Cataloging Jobs

Internship Museum Cataloging information

See salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do internship museum cataloging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship museum cataloging in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Museum Cataloging vs Museum Curator?

AspectInternship Museum CatalogingMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework, some familiarity with cataloging systemsBachelor's or master's degree in museum studies, history, or related field
Work EnvironmentAssisting with cataloging tasks in museum storage or archivesOverseeing exhibits, collections, and research in museum settings
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by museums, archives, or cultural institutionsFull-time roles in museums, galleries, or cultural organizations

Internship Museum Cataloging focuses on assisting with organizing and documenting museum collections, often as a learning experience. Museum Curator involves managing collections, developing exhibits, and conducting research. While internships provide foundational skills, curators hold advanced roles with greater responsibilities in museum operations.

What are internship museum cataloging positions?

Internship museum cataloging positions are temporary roles, often for students or recent graduates, that involve assisting museum staff with organizing, documenting, and managing the museum's collections. Interns help input data about artifacts into databases, research objects, and sometimes photograph or physically handle items under supervision. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience in museum operations, collection management, and the use of cataloging systems. They are ideal for individuals interested in museum studies, art history, or library science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Museum Cataloging professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Museum Cataloging Internship, you need attention to detail, organizational skills, and a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with cataloging databases, digital asset management systems, and basic data entry or archival software is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help interns collaborate effectively and adapt to evolving project needs. These skills ensure accurate documentation, efficient collection management, and valuable support for the museum’s curatorial and research activities.

What types of projects or tasks can an intern expect to work on during a museum cataloging internship?

Interns in museum cataloging often assist with documenting and organizing collections, updating digital records, and conducting research on artifacts or artworks. Tasks may include photographing objects, entering data into collection management systems, and helping with inventory audits or condition reports. Interns also collaborate with curators, registrars, and conservators, gaining insight into how museums manage and preserve their collections. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to museum operations and can be a stepping stone to more advanced roles in the field.
More about Internship Museum Cataloging jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Museum Cataloging jobs? Cities with the most Internship Museum Cataloging job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Cataloging jobs? The most popular types of Museum Cataloging jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Museum Cataloging jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Museum Cataloging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Museum Cataloging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Museum Cataloging jobs are:
Internship Museum Cataloging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Museum Cataloging job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Paid Internship

Paid Internship

Cincinnati Art Museum

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Temporary

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

INTERNSHIP POSITION SUMMARY

The Cincinnati Art Museum has an opening for a Curatorial Intern working with the Decorative Arts & Design and Fashion Arts & Textiles curatorial divisions this fall. This is a 12-week paid internship that runs between September to December 2026 and is scheduled for 15-25 hours per week during the Monday-Friday 9am-5pm workweek.

The Curatorial Intern will assist in cataloging and processing a transformational gift of 85 modern and contemporary enamel objects. This collection will be integrated into the Decorative Arts & Design collection, with select enameled jewelry pieces joining the Fashion Arts & Textiles collection. The intern will conduct object research, capture reference photographs, prepare formal accession paperwork, and input comprehensive data into the museum's collections management system, TMS (The Museum System).


ESSENTIAL INTERNSHIP FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Curator of Decorative Arts & Design, internship duties include:

  • Conduct Art Historical Research: Verify and document provenance, artist histories, and material execution for 85 modern and contemporary enamel objects using primary and secondary research sources.
  • Database Management: Input detailed cataloging data, reference and provided publication-quality images, and research findings into TMS to ensure prompt public and internal digital access.
  • Accession Documentation: Prepare museum accession paperwork, including detailed accession worksheets, following institutional standards.
  • Object Photography: Take clear, accurate reference photographs of collection objects for identification, documentation, and database attachment.
  • Art Handling: Assist with the safe handling, movement, and physical inspection of delicate enamel and jewelry pieces during the cataloguing phase.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Coordinate workflow and insights between the Decorative Arts & Design and Fashion Arts & Textiles departments to properly categorize incoming pieces.
  • Professional Development: Participate in regular curatorial meetings, mentorship sessions, and institutional learning opportunities to build foundational knowledge of museum operations. Author a blog post about the enamel collection.
  • Other duties as assigned.


INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

  • Current undergraduate upperclassman or graduate student pursuing a degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Material Culture, Decorative Arts, or a closely related field.
  • College-level coursework in art history, with a preferred interest or focus on modern/contemporary art, design, or craft histories.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing primary and secondary sources, such as archival materials, library databases, and other published records.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; prior exposure to museum databases like TMS (The Museum System) is a plus but is not required.
  • Strong written communication skills for documentation and excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating across multiple curatorial and affiliated departments. Writing sample is required with application.
  • Exceptional organizational habits and attention to detail, specifically regarding data entry, object descriptions, and administrative paperwork.
  • Basic knowledge of or a strong willingness to learn the museum standards for the safe and ethical handling of delicate art objects and jewelry.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.