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Museum Curator Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

... interns. OPM Qualifications Standard : Individual Occupational Requirements: Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard: General Schedule Qualification Standards You must meet all ...

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Museum Curator Internship information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do museum curator internship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum curator internship in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Museum Curator Internship vs Museum Collections Assistant?

AspectMuseum Curator InternshipMuseum Collections Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in Museum Studies, History, or related fieldsOften similar, with some roles requiring relevant coursework or experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting within museums, focusing on learning and assisting with curationSupport role in collections management, handling artifacts and documentation
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in museums, cultural institutions, and educational settingsFound in museums, archives, and heritage organizations

The Museum Curator Internship primarily offers hands-on experience in curation, research, and exhibition planning for students or recent graduates. The Museum Collections Assistant role focuses on managing and maintaining collections, often requiring similar educational backgrounds. Both roles are essential in museum operations but differ in focus: internships emphasize learning and exposure, while collections assistants handle the day-to-day management of artifacts.

Is there a high demand for museum curator internships?

Museum curator internships are competitive due to limited availability and high interest from students and recent graduates. While demand varies by region and institution, gaining relevant experience, strong academic credentials, and networking can improve chances of securing an internship in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum curator intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Curator Intern, you typically need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and basic conservation practices is often expected. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork abilities help interns collaborate effectively and engage with diverse audiences. These skills ensure accurate collection care, successful exhibit planning, and a positive visitor experience in a museum environment.

How to become a museum curator internship?

To secure a museum curator internship, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, museum studies, or a related field. Relevant skills include research, organization, and familiarity with collections management software; some internships may require prior experience or coursework. Gaining experience through volunteering or related internships can improve chances of acceptance.

How hard is it to get a job as a museum curator?

Securing a museum curator internship or position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in art history, archaeology, or museum studies, along with experience in collections management or research. Strong organizational skills, knowledge of preservation techniques, and networking within the museum community can improve chances of employment.

What are the typical daily tasks and collaborative opportunities for a museum curator intern?

As a Museum Curator Intern, you can expect to assist with cataloguing and documenting new acquisitions, preparing and installing exhibits, and conducting research on collection items. Interns often work closely with curators, conservators, and education staff, gaining hands-on experience in both behind-the-scenes operations and public-facing activities. Collaboration is key, as you'll participate in team meetings, contribute to exhibition planning, and sometimes help with educational programs. This immersive environment provides a well-rounded introduction to museum operations and valuable networking opportunities.

What is a museum curator internship?

A Museum Curator Internship is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience in various aspects of museum work, such as collections management, exhibit preparation, research, and educational programming. Interns often work alongside professional curators to learn about preserving artifacts, developing exhibitions, and engaging with museum visitors. This internship is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in museum studies, history, art, or cultural heritage. It offers valuable insight into museum operations and can be a stepping stone to a career in the museum field.
More about Museum Curator Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Curator Internship jobs? Cities with the most Museum Curator Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Curator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Curator Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Curator Internship jobs include:

Kiki Pohlad '13 Curatorial Assistant, Tang Museum

Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, NY • On-site

$24.73 - $25.83/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Skidmore College rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Curatorial Assistant (CA) will assist the Associate Curator, Malloy Curator, and Dayton Director in research, administrative, and editorial tasks for exhibitions and accompanying publications. The CA will also help facilitate access to the museum collection; give public, private, and class-based tours of the museum and exhibitions; respond to external requests for images and research on the museum collection; and supervise student interns. The CA has the opportunity to propose and execute exhibitions and programs that they author. Because of the broad scope of the museum's exhibitions and goals, the successful candidate will have a wide range of interests, the ability to learn quickly, an innate aptitude for flexibility, the ability to juggle multiple tasks on projects with both near and distant deadlines, and a positive solutions-oriented approach.
  • Assists in all aspects of department administration, providing critical support to the Associate Curator, Malloy Curator, and Dayton Director on all exhibitions, publications, and other projects. This work necessitates a high level of organization at broad project levels as well as detail-oriented attention to project logistics and communications and a dedication to ensuring the department meets internally and externally set deadlines.
  • Organizes and maintains exhibition checklists. Works closely with individual curators to keep all images and artwork captions up-to-date and communicates changes to relevant departments.
  • Communicates about curatorial projects across departments, including but not limited to collaborating with registrars on loan requests and followups; brainstorming with engagement team about programming; offering ideas, images, and writing for social media and other publicity; providing information and feedback to designer. Communicates with external book designers and other freelancers about individual projects.
  • Writes and/or edits exhibition and publication texts under the supervision of the organizing curator. Requires research skills, in-depth knowledge of contemporary art and art history, excellent writing skills, and experience in proofreading or other editing texts. Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style required.
  • Organize exhibition images. This work includes liaising with outside photographers, ensuring all exhibitions are photographed in a timely fashion, working with supervising curators to review and approve images, communicating with Tang Museum colleagues about using and locating approved images.
  • Manage exhibition catalogs and other publications. Work with individual curators to ensure that publications stay on track by liaising with photo editors, designers, writers, outside editors, and printers. Edit or proofread texts that come from a variety of sources including newly commissioned interviews and essays, existing gallery texts, reviews, historic material, and so on; secure hi-res images and copyright permissions as needed.
  • Offer support to the Associate Curator on cataloging and digitization needs by researching the collection, completing data-entry tasks, and updating approved revisions to cataloging data in the collections management system, EmbARK. Experience with a collection management system preferred, though training is provided for the right candidate.
  • Correspond and engage with museum colleagues and scholars external to the Tang. This work might include responding to requests: to publish images by ensuring such use is acceptable, providing captions and hi-res images; to borrow Tang collection artwork on loan; for research on the Tang collection or past exhibitions. Responsibly represents the curatorial department, the museum, and the museum mission both on and off campus by giving public and private tours to campus and external groups, attending art fairs and conferences, and assisting in hosting responsibilities for visiting artists and scholars.
  • The CA is invited to propose their own authored exhibitions, programs, or other projects; if approved, this work includes executing the project from initial conception/proposal through to realization, managing all logistical details, collaborating with key artists, and communicating across museum departments.
  • Supervise 3-5 student interns. Assign projects and deadlines, provide training as needed, and review and offer feedback to interns on all tasks.

Education: The successful candidate will also have a Bachelor's Degree, in addition to museum and/or prior work experience.
Required documents needed to apply:
  • On-line application
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • List of Three References

Pay Range: $24.73 - $25.83 per hour ($45,000-$47,000 annually) for this 35 hours per week, 12 months per year position commensurate with experience.
EEO STATEMENT
Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.
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