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Museum Conservation Internship Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Museum Conservation Internship information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$8

$14

$21

How much do museum conservation internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum conservation internship in Atlanta, GA is $14.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Museum Conservation Intern, you need a foundational understanding of art history, chemistry, and conservation principles, often supported by relevant coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with conservation tools, documentation software, and environmental monitoring systems is typically expected. Attention to detail, patience, and strong communication skills help interns collaborate with conservators and handle delicate artifacts responsibly. These skills ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the integrity of museum collections for future generations.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Museum Conservation Internship?

As a Museum Conservation Intern, you can expect to work closely with conservators on the examination, documentation, and treatment of artifacts or artworks. Typical tasks may include assisting with condition assessments, conducting research on materials and techniques, documenting conservation processes, and participating in preventive care such as monitoring environmental conditions. Interns often collaborate with curators, registrars, and exhibition teams, gaining exposure to both hands-on treatment and the broader context of collection care. This experience provides valuable insight into the daily challenges of preserving cultural heritage and builds foundational skills for a career in conservation.

What is a Museum Conservation Internship?

A Museum Conservation Internship is a temporary, hands-on work experience for students or early-career professionals interested in the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects. Interns typically work under the guidance of experienced conservators, learning about various conservation techniques, documentation, preventive care, and ethical considerations in the field. The internship provides valuable exposure to museum environments and helps build the practical skills necessary for a career in conservation. Duties may include assisting with condition assessments, treatments, research, and educational outreach. These internships are often offered by museums, galleries, or cultural institutions and may be paid or unpaid.

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

AspectMuseum Conservation InternshipMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a conservation, art history, or related degreeUsually requires a master's degree in museum studies, art history, or related field
Work EnvironmentHands-on conservation labs, museums, and storage areasExhibition planning, collection management, and public engagement spaces
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by museums, galleries, and conservation labsMuseums, cultural institutions, and galleries

The Museum Conservation Internship focuses on developing practical conservation skills in a hands-on environment, often for students or early-career professionals. In contrast, a Museum Curator oversees collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, typically requiring advanced degrees and more experience. Both roles are essential in museums but serve different functions within the industry.

What job categories do people searching Museum Conservation Internship jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Conservation Internship jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Museum Conservation Internship jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Museum Conservation Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Conservation Internship job openings in Atlanta, GA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,093 per year, or $14.9 per hour.
Curator/Associate Curator European Art

Curator/Associate Curator European Art

The Woodruff Arts Center

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$79K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation's third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners-Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art-there's a role for everyone at The Woodruff.
Reports to:
Chief Curator
FLSA:
United States of America (Exempt)
Employment Status:
Regular/Full time
The High Museum of Art seeks an experienced and innovative Curator/Associate curator with expertise in European art from 1800-1960. Title and supervisory responsibilities will be commensurate with experience.
Under the supervision of the Chief Curator, the Frances B. Bunzl Family Curator/Associate Curator of European Art will oversee all aspects of the Museum's curatorial program for European art including a collection of over 1,100 paintings, sculpture, and works on paper spanning the fourteenth through the mid-twentieth centuries. The holdings of early European paintings and sculpture were formed through gifts from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation in the late 1950s. In the ensuing decades, particular emphasis has been placed upon drawings and prints as well as the work of nineteenth and twentieth century artists including those associated with French and northern European Impressionism as featured in the Museum's Stein and Shaheen Collections. The ideal candidate will be committed to working creatively and collaboratively with a diverse group of High staff, patrons, and their own network of national and international peers to develop exhibitions, scholarship, and new opportunities of focus for collection growth.
Salary: $79,000.00( Associate Curator)/ $100k (Curator)
Work Schedule:
  • Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
  • Coordinating with the Chief Curator, plan and manage the development of the European art collections, exhibitions, and related initiatives in keeping with the High's newly adopted Strategic Framework and connections to its communities.
  • Develop and manage meaningful, creative exhibition projects in the field, including the organization of major collaborative projects with national and international partners;
  • Research information pertinent to the identification, documentation, or authentication of works of art and develop appropriate object records in accordance with current professional standards;
  • Maintain current knowledge of the art market and identify priorities for growth; working in collaboration with Development staff, pursue strategic objectives of gifts, bequests, and purchases to both provide resources and to develop new areas of distinction to the European art holdings;
  • Conceive, develop, and publish exhibition catalogues, scholarly articles, and related works, including via digital formats including LiNK, the High's online forum;
  • Regularly and effectively communicate and work with museum staff, trustees, colleagues, and others to enrich, expand, and otherwise facilitate the program of European art and to ensure that related content is accurately represented;
  • Work with collections staff and the Atlanta Art Conservation Center to anticipate collections care and conservation needs for respective holdings;
  • Work collaboratively with Learning and Civic Engagement staff to develop and produce related interpretive strategies and accompanying materials, as well as conduct training for docents and provide new opportunities for community outreach;
  • Propose and lead programs for the museum's Friends of the Collections support group and otherwise foster and maintain good working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, and museum colleagues across the country and abroad, as well as with the academic community, art dealers, and collectors;
  • As required, serve as a mentor to fellows, assistants, and interns;
  • Respond to scholarly and public inquiries related to the collection;
  • Represent the museum in professional associations and at symposia and other scholarly meetings and events;
  • Meet all responsibilities with the highest ethical and professional standards.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
  • M.A. required; Ph.D. in art history with specialization in European Art preferred (full curator);
  • Minimum of three (associate) to five (full curator) years of relevant experience and knowledge of museum practices;
  • Expertise with exhibition development and organization, including both national and international collaborations;
  • Strong record of research, scholarship, and public speaking, with proven experience in organizing significant exhibitions and scholarly publications;
  • Familiarity with new technologies and their impact upon the field;
  • Must be resourceful, creative, flexible, and have the ability to work effectively and positively with other professional staff across multiple divisions in a highly collaborative environment.

Skills and Abilities:
  • Exhibits effective communication, organizational and time-management skills.
  • Must be resourceful, creative, flexible, and have the ability to work effectively and positively with other professional staff in a highly collaborative environment.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting (at least 10 pounds) is needed.