Navigating the Modern Art World: A Guide to SFMOMA and MoMA Internships
For students and recent graduates eager to delve into the vibrant world of modern art, internships at renowned institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offer invaluable experiences. These programs provide exposure to museum operations, build foundational skills, and offer networking opportunities within the art world. This article provides an overview of the internship programs at SFMOMA and MoMA, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and program structures.
SFMOMA Summer Internship Program
SFMOMA’s internship program welcomes talented students from diverse backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts to apply. The museum values diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, and gender expression.
Eligibility and Application
SFMOMA offers a full-time (35 hours per week), nine-week paid summer internship program designed to introduce undergraduate and graduate students to the spectrum of museum careers and build leadership skills.
Key Dates:
- Applications are typically accepted from early January through late February. For example, for the summer of 2026, applications were accepted from January 5, 2026, through February 28, 2026. Some internships may have earlier deadlines, which are specified in the posting.
- Candidate interviews usually take place between mid-March and early April. For example, interviews for the summer of 2026 took place approximately between March 19, 2026, and April 3, 2026.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be lawfully eligible or authorized to work in the U.S. without employer-based sponsorship. If hired, Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed prior to the start of employment.
- All application materials must be uploaded directly to the online application portal by the specified deadline.
- Writing samples may be required for some internships.
- It is important to inform those writing your recommendations about which internships you are applying for.
MoMA Internship Programs
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York offers several internship programs, including summer internships and 12-month internships, providing different levels of engagement and focus. MoMA PS1 also offers blended internships with onsite and remote opportunities.
Summer Internship Program
MoMA’s Summer Internship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students, as well as beginning professionals, with practical experience in a specific area of museum work. 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 the institution. Participants may arrange for academic credit through their school, but it is not a requirement.
Read also: Internship Guide
Requirements:
- Candidates are required to have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the start of their internship program (i.e., rising junior status) to participate.
- Summer internships require a commitment of four days per week.
- All summer intern applications are typically due by March 1st by 11:59 PM EST.
12-Month Internship Program
The 12-Month Internship Program offers training in specific museum fields through close work with professional staff members. Interns gain familiarity with modern and contemporary art through seminars and discussions, and participate in an educational program that exposes them to the workings of the Museum as a whole, while considering the role of museums in the broader cultural context.
Responsibilities:
- Interns assist with exhibition and collection research.
- They process collection documentation or curatorial files.
- They are involved in archiving and other duties.
The program integrates focused departmental training with winter, spring, and summer lecture series, complemented by financial provisions for interns to create a research trip related to their field of interest. Additionally, monthly activities are designed specifically for this cohort to receive greater exposure to the museum and art fields.
Requirements:
- Candidates are required to be recent graduates of a bachelor’s or master’s degree program by the start of the internship program.
MoMA PS1 Internship Program
MoMA PS1 offers blended internships with onsite and remote opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and beginning professionals with practical experience in a specific area of museum work. This internship program provides the opportunity to learn about the operations of a nonprofit art institution and work alongside contemporary artists and curators.
General Application Advice for MoMA Internships
Eligibility
MoMA's internship programs are open to current students, recent college graduates, graduate students, and beginning museum professionals. Candidates for the summer program must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study (rising junior status) by the start of the internship.
Application Materials
A complete application typically includes:
Read also: Internships at History Museums
- Essays: Addressing the reasons for your interest in participating in an internship at The Museum of Modern Art.
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are accepted, but if you need to order an official transcript, allow sufficient time to attach it as a PDF by the deadline.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters should be typed on letterhead if the recommender has professional stationery. They should state the relationship between the candidate and the recommender (professor, advisor, employer, etc.). The letter should explain how long the recommender has known you and why they believe you are qualified for an internship at MoMA. It should describe your strengths, talents, level of experience, and demonstration of responsibility, intelligence, certain skills, and maturity. Limit recommendation letters to one page. Letters are required to be directly uploaded to your application in PDF format and addressed to the Internship and Fellowship Program Manager. If you are an international applicant, include a translation if the original letter is not in English.
Important Notes:
- Do not submit additional materials such as writing samples, slides, or exhibition catalogs unless specifically requested.
- Applicants are allowed to apply to up to three department positions in the same program term.
- Applications can be submitted before the deadline, but must be postmarked by the application deadline.
Additional Considerations
- Internship Dates: MoMA only hires interns for set terms. It is not possible to do an internship during alternate dates, such as winter break.
- Deferral: If accepted, you cannot defer your acceptance to a future date.
- Reapplication: If not accepted, you can reapply in subsequent years.
- Multiple Internships: One may only participate in one summer internship per year.
- Interviews: After the initial application review, select candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview.
- Informational Interviews: Due to the high volume of applications, MoMA does not conduct informational interviews.
Internship Projects and Experiences
Internship projects are based on upcoming curatorial exhibitions or ongoing museum initiatives. Interns may assist curators or managers with visitor engagement, research, writing, design, and/or coordination of upcoming programs. Projects provide practical experience in a specific area of museum work, and each week, interns participate in professional development activities designed to increase understanding of the Museum’s various collections, exhibitions, and departments.
Painting & Sculpture Internship Example
An intern in the Painting & Sculpture department might support an upcoming exhibition, such as one focusing on Modernism in Africa, 1956-1982.
Duties may include:
- Creating an audio guide map for the exhibition in collaboration with the Content team.
- Supporting the audio guide by selecting usable excerpts to match artworks from existing audio files.
- Conducting research on artists, artworks, and exhibition themes to support curatorial narratives.
- Compiling detailed information for exhibition labels, wall texts, and catalogs.
- Preparing summaries or briefs for internal team use or external communications.
- Assisting in testing and adjusting lighting, sound, or multimedia elements.
- Working with curators to ensure the layout aligns with the intended visitor flow and experience.
- Documenting the installation process through photography or notes for future reference.
- Helping conduct gallery checks to ensure elements of the exhibition are in good working order.
This type of internship enhances the understanding of curatorial practices and provides 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 and fostering strong teamwork.
Department Skillset Requirements for this type of internship often include:
- An academic background in art history or recent graduation with a B.A. or M.A.
- Excellent writing skills.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.
- A strong work ethic and eagerness to learn.
Additional Information
- Academic Credit: It may be possible to receive academic credit for participating in the internship program. Check with your school for requirements.
- Housing: MoMA does not provide intern housing. Interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodations during the internship. Human Resources may have materials available to assist incoming interns in their housing search.
Read also: The Heritage of Spring Grove
tags: #museum #of #modern #art #summer #internship
