2026 MoMA Summer Internship - Painting and Sculpture

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.

Department Skillset 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. The preferred candidate has a background in African art (Sub-Saharan or North Africa) and French language skills.

How to Apply

The following items are required as part of your online application through MoMA's UKG Recruiting Portal:

1. Essay

One essay submitted in PDF format. Essay should be no longer than 650 words and answer the prompt below as follows:

Why are you interested in participating in an internship at The Museum of Modern Art? In response, be sure to address both:
a) The role of museums and how you envision their potential for evolution
b) Individual or an experience that has influenced your perception of the arts

2. Résumé

Your résumé/curriculum vitae, in PDF format, directly uploaded to your application.

3. Letter of Recommendation

At least one letter of recommendation, in PDF format, directly uploaded to your application.

4. Transcript

Transcript(s) of undergraduate and/or graduate records, in PDF format, directly uploaded to your application.

Unofficial transcripts are accepted. If you do not have access to an unofficial transcript, allow sufficient time to order a transcript from your college or university to attach as a PDF by the deadline.

Please note: we will not review applications received after the deadline, and we will only review complete applications. 

Select applicants will be contacted to arrange interviews in late March. If we request an interview with you, we will contact you to arrange a convenient date and time for you.

For a complete list of available internships at MoMA, please go to www.moma.org/about/careers/internships

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).