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Museum Curatorial Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CURATORIAL INTERN

San Antonio, TX

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

SAMA's Curatorial Department Intern will support the museum's curator of Asian art with targeted projects that will give them a unique perspective into both the department's day-to-day and long-term ...

Curatorial Intern

Des Moines, IA

$13.25 - $18/hr

Internship start and end dates will be determined by the intern in conjunction with the museum's Senior Curator. If the selected candidate is also a student, the Art Center will work with their ...

... Curator, the intern will gain supervised experience handling works on paper, develop skills in collections research, become familiar with The Museum System (TMS) database, and receive training in ...

Science Intern

Bronx, NY · On-site

$17/hr

Research areas may include but are not limited to plant diversity, museum curation, molecular ... The intern is expected to make satisfactory progress working on scientific research and to carry ...

Science Intern

New York, NY · On-site

$17/hr

Research areas may include but are not limited to plant diversity, museum curation, molecular ... The intern is expected to make satisfactory progress working on scientific research and to carry ...

AAMD Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

The total stipend will be $7,560 for 420 hours of work, paid on a biweekly basis The Museum of ... Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours. * Free or discounted admission to many other ...

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Museum Curatorial Intern information

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How much do museum curatorial intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum curatorial intern in the United States is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Museum Curatorial Intern typically expect during their internship?

As a Museum Curatorial Intern, you can expect to assist with a range of projects such as cataloging collections, conducting research for upcoming exhibitions, and helping prepare interpretive materials. Interns often work closely with curators and other museum professionals, gaining hands-on experience with artifact handling, exhibition planning, and educational programming. The role may also include attending team meetings, contributing to exhibit installation, and supporting public engagement events, providing valuable insight into the daily operations of a museum and fostering professional growth in the field.

What does a Museum Curatorial Intern do?

A Museum Curatorial Intern assists curators with research, exhibit preparation, and the management of collections. Typical duties may include cataloging artifacts, helping to organize exhibitions, conducting research on items in the collection, and supporting educational programs. Interns gain hands-on experience in museum operations, learn about conservation practices, and develop skills in archival work. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in museum careers, art history, or cultural heritage.

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

To thrive as a Museum Curatorial 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 techniques is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for supporting curatorial projects, ensuring accurate documentation, and contributing to the museum’s educational mission.
What cities are hiring for Museum Curatorial Intern jobs? Cities with the most Museum Curatorial Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Curatorial jobs? The most popular types of Museum Curatorial jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Curatorial Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Curatorial Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Curatorial Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,301 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
CURATORIAL INTERN

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Title: Curatorial Intern (Fall 2026)

Department: Curatorial

Reports To: Chief Curator

Job Type: Internship

Pay: Unpaid

Interns needed:  1
Dates: Start date and end dates to be determined with supervisor
Hours: will be determined with supervisor 

Summary:
SAMA’s Curatorial Department Intern will support the museum’s curator of Asian art with targeted projects that will give them a unique perspective into both the department’s day-to-day and long-term responsibilities. These projects include:

  • Cataloguing curatorial files (exhibitions, object studies, and programs)
  • Conducting research on upcoming special exhibitions
  • Conducting research on artworks and artists in SAMA’s permanent collection


 

Learning Objectives/Responsibilities:

By the conclusion of the internship, the intern should expect to:

  • Learn about the varied responsibilities of SAMA’s individual departments, with a special understanding of the curatorial department
  • Gain hands-on creative and administrative experience at a major non-profit arts organization
  • Gain knowledge of museum best practices
  • Learn about SAMA’s extensive collection and the process of collections cataloguing and display

Qualifications:

  • Possesses a strong work ethic
  • Excels at working independently/within a flexible schedule
  • Highly organized and self-motivated
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment
  • A strong interest in the visual arts is preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
  • Familiarity with at least one Asian language a plus

Work Hours:

  • Work Hours: Schedule is flexible and can be arranged in discussion with the supervisor.

Work Hours: Schedule is flexible and can be arranged in discussion with the supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements of the position described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully.

  • Walking, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 35 pounds.
  • Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time.
  • Physical ability to climb stairs and work in a multi-level building.

About the San Antonio Museum of Art  

The San Antonio Museum of Art brings people together with art by collecting, preserving, and presenting significant works of art representing a broad range of history and cultures, advancing human connection and understanding, and inspiring curiosity, creativity, and discovery. The museum houses more than 30,000 objects that represent cultures from around the world. Some of the regions represented are the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. The museum also has an ever-increasing collection of Modern & Contemporary art. SAMA’s Curatorial department is responsible for the research, exhibition, acquisition, and stewardship of the museum collection. Each curator specializes in a dedicated area of the collection.

Since opening in 1981, the San Antonio Museum of Art has mentored and/or trained more than 1000 interns, docents, and other volunteers. Interns play an essential role at SAMA and gain valuable experience for future course study and careers in non-profit arts and administration.

http://www.samuseum.org

EEO Statement:

San Antonio Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role.  Therefore, if much of this job posting describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. 

 SAMA is committed to equal employment opportunity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.