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Museum Collections Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Foreperson

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$72K - $83K/yr

Oversee the propagation, potting, watering, and pruning of diverse plant collections. * Ensure ... Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for ...

Goodwin Living

Creative Arts Coordinator

Alexandria, VA

$33.65 - $35/hr

... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ... Plans and coordinates a variety of exhibitions, art displays, and collections from internal and ...

Goodwin House

Creative Arts Coordinator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$33.65 - $35/hr

... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ... Plans and coordinates a variety of exhibitions, art displays, and collections from internal and ...

Goodwin Living

Creative Arts Coordinator

Alexandria, VA

$33.65 - $35/hr

... for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered ... Plans and coordinates a variety of exhibitions, art displays, and collections from internal and ...

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How much do museum collections intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections intern in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Museum Collections Interns?

Museum Collections Interns are individuals, usually students or recent graduates, who assist museum staff in managing, cataloging, preserving, and researching items within a museum's collection. Their duties may include inventorying artifacts, updating records in collection databases, helping with the preparation of exhibits, and ensuring proper storage and handling of objects. These internships provide hands-on experience in museum operations and are valuable for those interested in pursuing careers in museum studies or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Collections Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Collections Intern, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong organizational and research skills. Familiarity with collections management software, cataloging systems, and basic artifact handling procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the proper care, documentation, and accessibility of cultural artifacts, which are vital for preserving and sharing museum collections.

What types of projects and tasks can a Museum Collections Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Museum Collections Intern, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on projects such as cataloging artifacts, updating collection databases, assisting with condition reports, and helping with the preparation and installation of exhibits. Interns often work closely with collections managers and conservators, gaining exposure to best practices in object handling, storage, and preventive conservation. You'll also have opportunities to participate in team meetings and may be asked to conduct research to support interpretive or curatorial projects, providing a well-rounded experience in museum operations.
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Infographic showing various Museum Collections Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
[Fall 2026] Research Resources - Library Internship

[Fall 2026] Research Resources - Library Internship

Whitney Museum of American Art

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Whitney’s Academic Year Internship program offers a semester-long paid internship for Graduate students enrolled in MLIS or related programs. The internship will begin on September 15, 2026, and end on December 5, 2026. Participants must be available two weekdays days per week for a 10 to 5 workday. 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 a Research Resources: Library intern for the Fall 2026 semester.

Expected Projects & Assignments
  • Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials
  • Create preservation housings for Library Special Collections materials
  • Assist with providing in-person and remote reference services
  • Assist with the circulation of library materials
  •  Assist with supervising the reading room and on-site researchers
  • Assist with reference inquiries from staff and external researchers

Skills & Qualifications
  • Ideal candidate is a current student or recent graduate who has completed at least one semester in a Library and Information Science program, or related graduate program
  • Experience with library cataloging (MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification) and/or preservation a plus
  • Interest in modern and contemporary American art and museum work
  • Ability to work independently with attention to detail
  • Experience with conducting research using an ILS
  • Ability to lift cartons (up to 30lbs) is helpful
  • Graduate students enrolled in MLIS or related 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
  • General art library policies and procedures
  • Use of our OPAC, WhitneyCat, and Koha ILS
  • Library cataloging and MARC/RDA metadata creation
  • Basics of hands-on preservation rehousing for a variety of library materials
  • Reference and user services skills.
Outcomes
  • First-hand experience in multiple areas related to the operations of library a museum setting
  • An understanding of how the Whitney’s research collections support unique areas of inquiry
  • The opportunity to work with both Whitney staff researchers and visiting scholars
  • Increased knowledge of metadata, reference, and circulation of library resources

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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