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Museum Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paid Internship

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

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 ...

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Museum Internship information

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How much do museum internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest accounting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in accounting, auditing, consulting, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in finance and accounting. For museum internships, the focus is usually on gaining experience in curation, education, or conservation, rather than these corporate programs.

What is a museum internship?

A museum internship is a short-term work experience opportunity offered by museums to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in pursuing a career in the museum field. Interns gain hands-on experience in areas such as curation, education, collections management, research, and museum administration. These internships can be paid or unpaid and typically last from a few weeks to several months. They are valuable for building professional networks, enhancing résumés, and gaining practical skills relevant to museum careers.

What types of projects or responsibilities can I expect during a museum internship?

During a museum internship, you may be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with exhibition installation, cataloging collections, supporting educational programs, or helping with marketing and outreach efforts. Interns often work closely with curators, educators, and collections managers, gaining exposure to the daily operations of the museum. You'll have opportunities to develop professional skills, network with museum professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the visitor experience.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum intern can be competitive, as many applicants seek these positions due to their valuable experience. Candidates often need relevant coursework, strong interest in the field, and sometimes prior volunteer work or related skills. The application process typically involves submitting a resume and interview, and some internships may require background checks or specific certifications.

Do Smithsonian internships pay?

Smithsonian internships are generally unpaid, offering valuable experience and networking opportunities in museum and research environments. Some programs may provide stipends or stipends for living expenses, but most are volunteer-based. Interns often gain skills in curation, education, or research during their internship period.

What do interns do at museums?

Museum interns assist with a variety of tasks such as cataloging artifacts, preparing exhibits, conducting research, and providing visitor support. They often gain experience with museum operations, collections management, and educational programs while working under supervision in a professional environment.

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

To thrive as a Museum Intern, you typically need a background in art history, museum studies, or related fields, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, database software, and digital archiving tools is often expected. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies help interns effectively support museum operations, contribute to exhibitions and education, and ensure the preservation and accessibility of collections.

What is the difference between Museum Internship vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum InternshipMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant degree (e.g., history, art, archaeology)Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) often required
Work EnvironmentHands-on experience in museums, assisting staff, and learning operationsOversees collections, research, exhibitions, and staff management
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level or training positions within museums and cultural institutionsSenior professional role within museums, cultural institutions, or academia

While a Museum Internship provides practical experience and training in museum operations, a Museum Curator is a professional responsible for managing collections, research, and exhibitions. Internships are ideal for gaining initial exposure, whereas curators hold advanced qualifications and oversee museum programs.

More about Museum Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Internship jobs? Cities with the most Museum Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs? The most popular types of Museum jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Fall 2026 Public Programs (Paid) Intern

Country Music Foundation Inc

Nashville, TN • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description

Internship: Public Programs (Paid)


For application deadlines and internship dates, please visit: Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships.


Museum Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music-a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The Museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The Museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.


Internship Program Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers paid internships to full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) that advance the educational goals of the intern and help to promote the Museum's mission. The Museum's internship program offers work-based learning opportunities that introduce college students to museum-related careers and other professions found in large cultural organizations. Internships are designed for a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. Additional adjustments to the 12-week, 25-hour schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. Educational programs which operate on a quarterly basis may be accommodated. Motivated students who are seeking hands-on experiences in a team-oriented environment will find excellent opportunities at the Museum.


The application process for prospective interns includes the submission of:

  • An online application for the specific internship you are applying for via our internal hiring system
  • A resume
  • A one-page cover letter; it is recommended that your cover letter explain how your education and experience will contribute positively to this internship and how this internship relates to your academic pursuits and/or career goals

What We Offer Interns:

  • The hourly rate for this position is $15/hr. for students pursuing a bachelor's degree; $18/hr. for students pursuing a master's degree or higher
  • Free 24/7 downtown parking or WeGo bus pass
  • Complimentary admission to the Museum for yourself
  • Two complimentary Museum admission passes for friends and family use
  • Free guided tour of Hatch Show Print, Historic RCA Studio B, and the Museum's galleries
  • Discounts at Museum stores and restaurants 
  • Free or discounted entry to local venues including: National Museum of African American Music, the Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and more! 
  • Fun, friendly, and supportive learning environment

Field Forward Stipend: Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend, offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship, that supports students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and students with demonstrated financial need. Field Forward's goals are to encourage diverse student engagement with the Museum and the broader museum field and to promote educational and professional experience and training to students historically underrepresented in museum and other cultural arts professions. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered. To learn more, including important deadlines, please visit: Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships.


Departmental Overview:  The Museum Services Department is responsible for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's collections, exhibitions, and editorial content. In direct support of the Museum's mission statement, we preserve and protect the Museum's collections using best practices while incorporating emerging technologies to provide access to these collections and ensure the histories of our collections and the artists associated with them are recorded for the future and reported to the public accurately. Within Museum Services, there are teams of registrars, collections specialists, librarians, archivists, exhibit managers, curators, and writers. 


Public Programs Internship Overview:  Housed within the Museum Services Department, Public Programs is responsible for educating varied audiences about country music through events that target adult audiences. The goal of the Public Programs internship is to gain experience in planning and executing a range of programs intended to educate adult audiences about country music. These programs may include live interviews and performances, concerts, film screenings, and other educational offerings. 


Under the guidance of the Public Programs team, the intern will learn to help prepare for and facilitate these programs, communicate with Museum visitors and program performers, and write various program support materials. The intern will also undertake administrative duties, attend team meetings, research, and brainstorm ways to support future programming, assist with select online content, and help facilitate other Education or non-public events as needed. 


Specific Internship Duties:

Weekly Tasks:

  • Research and write introductions for select programs
  • Curate house music playlists for select programs
  • Write program entries for web calendar as needed
  • Review the web calendar for accuracy and report any inconsistencies
  • Assist with "day-of-show" program management
  • Artist and production tasks: set-up, escorting performers, taking detailed notes, and other tasks
  • Guest and audience service tasks: managing guest lists, scanning tickets as needed, and fielding questions from Museum visitors
  • Participate in department meetings
  • Print and display weekly Billboard Hot Country and Americana charts 

Ongoing Tasks:

  • Research exhibit themes for corresponding programs
  • Brainstorm and research program ideas
  • Maintain digital records and reports

Special Tasks:

  • Lead one weekend of regular programs from advancing with the performers to writing and delivering the introductions in front of the audience

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student

Preferred Requirements:

  • Seeking a degree in education, music, museum studies, event management, or related field
  • Customer service experience 
  • An interest in country music, or willingness to learn

Conditions of Internship:

  • Must be able to work weekends (although weekend hours are required, some of our special programs occur outside of typical Museum hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT), so a flexible schedule is ideal for the intern to gain the most experience with a variety of programs) 
  • Lift 25 lbs. or less 

Notes to Applicant:


The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 


We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.


Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling or emailing to inquire about the status of your application.


Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.


Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers.