2026 MoMA Summer Internship - Painting and Sculpture

MoMA•New York, NY

About The Position

About the Summer Internship Program The Summer Internship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students and beginning professionals with practical experience in a specific area of museum work at The Museum of Modern Art. Interns participate in weekly professional development activities designed to increase understanding of the Museum’s various collections, exhibitions, and departments. The Museum hosts approximately 25 interns in various departments across our institution. Participants may arrange for academic credit through their school, but it is not a requirement. MoMA Summer 2026 internships require a commitment of four days per week. The schedule is Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. One must have a minimum of two years of college completed (or equivalent) by June 2026 in order to apply. All summer intern applications are due by Sunday, March 1st by 11:59 PM EST. Duration: June 8—August 13; Ten Weeks Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 Decision Notification: April 20, 2026 Stipend: $6,160 Department Projects & Tasks The intern in Painting & Sculpture will support the upcoming exhibition on Modernism in Africa, 1956–1982. The intern will be asked to conduct research on artists, artworks, and exhibition themes to support curatorial narratives; compile detailed information for exhibition labels, wall texts, and catalogs; prepare summaries or briefs for internal team use or external communications; write select extended labels; update all changes to the interpretation brief and message hierarchy document; assist in collaboration with the education or marketing teams to develop digital or print content and proofread and edit written materials for clarity and accuracy. Additionally, the intern will create an audio guide map for the exhibition in collaboration with Content team; support the audio guide, by selecting usable excerpts to match with artworks from the existing audio files; conduct research on artists, artworks, and exhibition themes to support curatorial narratives; compile detailed information for exhibition labels, wall texts, and catalogs; prepare summaries or briefs for internal team use or external communications; assist in testing and adjusting lighting, sound, or multimedia elements; work with curators to ensure the layout aligns with the intended visitor flow and experience; document the installation process through photography or notes for future reference; and help conduct gallery checks to ensure elements of exhibition are in good working order. The internship will also have some administrative duties, as follows: Organize and update checklists, timelines, and loan agreements. Track correspondence with artists, lenders, and other collaborators. Assist in coordinating schedules for installation, team meetings, and special events. Assist in preparing materials for the opening event, such as programs or signage. Help coordinate vendor or speaker arrangements for the opening reception. Provide day-of-event support, including staffing, greeting guests, and answering visitor questions. Maintain a record of exhibition-related activities, such as meetings, decisions, and changes. Prepare post-opening reports summarizing feedback, attendance, and overall outcomes. Catalog photographs and materials related to the installation and event for archival purposes. Participate in team meetings, offering updates on assigned tasks. Liaise with other departments (e.g., marketing, education, development) to support cross-functional projects. Take meeting notes and ensure follow-ups on action items. This internship should enhance the understanding of curatorial practices and provide firsthand experience working with a curatorial team in the planning, organization, and execution of an exhibition, including both behind-the-scenes and public-facing activities. The intern will build skills in project management, logistical coordination, and communication, ensuring alignment with the curatorial vision and timeline, while contributing meaningfully to the curatorial team by assisting in various aspects of exhibition preparation and fostering strong teamwork. The intern will have a deepened understanding of the artworks, themes, and historical/cultural contexts of the exhibition to support public engagement and interpretation and develop transferable skills in research, organization, and communication to prepare for future roles in museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions.

Requirements

Candidates with an academic background in art history program or recent graduate in an B.A. or M.A.
Excellent writing skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite and Google Suite
Strong work ethic and eagerness to learn
Minimum of two years of college completed (or equivalent) by June 2026

Nice To Haves

Background in African art (Sub-Saharan or North Africa)
French language skills

Responsibilities

Conduct research on artists, artworks, and exhibition themes to support curatorial narratives
Compile detailed information for exhibition labels, wall texts, and catalogs
Prepare summaries or briefs for internal team use or external communications
Write select extended labels
Update all changes to the interpretation brief and message hierarchy document
Assist in collaboration with the education or marketing teams to develop digital or print content and proofread and edit written materials for clarity and accuracy
Create an audio guide map for the exhibition in collaboration with Content team
Support the audio guide, by selecting usable excerpts to match with artworks from the existing audio files
Assist in testing and adjusting lighting, sound, or multimedia elements
Work with curators to ensure the layout aligns with the intended visitor flow and experience
Document the installation process through photography or notes for future reference
Help conduct gallery checks to ensure elements of exhibition are in good working order
Organize and update checklists, timelines, and loan agreements
Track correspondence with artists, lenders, and other collaborators
Assist in coordinating schedules for installation, team meetings, and special events
Assist in preparing materials for the opening event, such as programs or signage
Help coordinate vendor or speaker arrangements for the opening reception
Provide day-of-event support, including staffing, greeting guests, and answering visitor questions
Maintain a record of exhibition-related activities, such as meetings, decisions, and changes
Prepare post-opening reports summarizing feedback, attendance, and overall outcomes
Catalog photographs and materials related to the installation and event for archival purposes
Participate in team meetings, offering updates on assigned tasks
Liaise with other departments (e.g., marketing, education, development) to support cross-functional projects
Take meeting notes and ensure follow-ups on action items