French Heritage Society

French Heritage Society

Preserving our historic treasures to inspire future generations

Curatorial

Basilique de Vézelay – Internship

Dec 11, 2025
Internship Description This internship offers graduate students in architecture, art history, or the humanities the opportunity to train as cultural mediators, bridging 21st-century visitors with a 12th-century architectural masterpiece. The training period includes an in-depth introduction to the Basilica of Vézelay—an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with instruction from a dedicated tutor on how to […]

Basilique de Vézelay – Internship

Internship Description

This internship offers graduate students in architecture, art history, or the humanities the opportunity to train as cultural mediators, bridging 21st-century visitors with a 12th-century architectural masterpiece.

The training period includes an in-depth introduction to the Basilica of Vézelay—an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with instruction from a dedicated tutor on how to lead a two-part guided tour. Training also includes workshops in public speaking and the study of relevant reference materials.
After this preparatory work, the intern will lead guided tours for individuals and groups at the Maison du Visiteur (the Visitor Center) and inside the Basilica. The intern will join a multidisciplinary team specializing in heritage mediation, sharing a daily team lunch. Several hours each week are reserved for personal research in the “scriptorium,” a late-12th-century room within the research center.

Throughout the internship, the candidate will deepen their understanding of Romanesque art, architectural symbolism, construction techniques, and the historical context of Vézelay—while exploring the contemporary relevance of this medieval heritage.

Responsibilities

  • Guide members of the public at the Maison du Visiteur, the Visitor Center, and inside the Basilica.
  • Welcome, inform, and advise visitors regarding tours.
  • Manage ticket sales through the ticketing software and process payments.
  • Advise on and sell items in the gift shop.
  • Support the daily upkeep and maintenance of the premises.

About Vézelay

For over 900 years, the ancient abbey church of Vézelay has crowned a hilltop in Burgundy. Throughout the year—particularly at the solstices and equinoxes—the sun interacts with the stone architecture to create remarkable light effects.
Dedicated to Mary Magdalene, Vézelay has been a major meeting point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago since the Middle Ages. Elevated to the rank of Basilica in 1920 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it welcomes over one million visitors annually.

Art lovers, historians, pilgrims, tourists, and visitors from around the world climb the hill seeking beauty, meaning, inspiration, or renewal in this masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.

Application Procedure

Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Résumé
  • Cover Letter
  • Case Study (500 words):
    “Discuss effective communication strategies to engage the younger generation with a historical exhibition. “


Museum at FIT

Nov 14, 2025
A curatorial internship offering hands-on experience in fashion research, exhibition development, and archival work within one of the world’s leading fashion institutions.

Museum at FIT

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to provide graduate students specializing in fashion curation or fashion history with an in-depth introduction to curatorial and research practices within one of the world’s leading fashion museums.

Working closely with the museum’s curatorial team, the successful intern will contribute to exhibition research, graphic documentation, and archival projects. Responsibilities may include obtaining image reproduction rights, investigating periodicals, and supporting the head curator in developing narratives that highlight the cultural significance of fashion. The internship also includes opportunities to visit the collections, participate in conservation discussions, and gain exposure to the day-to-day operations of a major museum.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of fashion, material culture, and museum practice in a dynamic and internationally recognized institution.

About The Museum at FIT
Part of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, The Museum at FIT is dedicated to advancing knowledge of fashion through exhibitions, public programs, and publications. Its innovative exhibitions explore fashion as both an art form and a cultural phenomenon, drawing from an exceptional collection of garments, accessories, and textiles dating from the 18th century to today. Through its curatorial work and research initiatives, the Museum at FIT plays a vital role in documenting and interpreting the history and impact of fashion worldwide.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study:
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Explore how museums can address issues of sustainability and ethical production through their fashion exhibitions and collections.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Nov 3, 2025
A curatorial internship offering hands-on experience in research, cataloguing, and exhibition preparation within one of the United States’ premier historic house museums.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Internship Description
This internship offers graduate students in art history or decorative arts a unique opportunity to gain hands-on curatorial experience at one of the most distinguished historic house museums in the United States. Grounded in Hillwood’s mission to preserve and share the legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post, the intern will contribute to projects that support the care, interpretation, and presentation of the museum’s world-class collections and gardens.

The selected candidate will work closely with the Curatorial, Collections, and Archives & Special Collections teams on a range of research, documentation, and collections care initiatives. Projects for Summer 2026 may include: reviewing and updating object file folders, researching and documenting objects for exhibitions and new installations, assisting with Sèvres porcelain and other decorative arts research, matching objects to their corresponding storage boxes, and supporting publication development for Art of Entertaining

Tasks may involve object cataloguing, archival review, exhibition preparation, photography coordination, and contributing to checklist development. The intern will also follow the progression of several upcoming exhibitions (working titles: Gold, Fashion, Art of Entertaining) and may shadow staff during accessory studies and other specialized research activities.

Beyond project work, Hillwood offers a robust learning environment. Interns will have opportunities to meet with museum professionals across departments, pursue independent research, and explore cultural institutions throughout the Washington, D.C. region.

This internship provides a comprehensive introduction to curatorial practice in a setting that brings together fine and decorative arts, historic preservation, collections stewardship, and public engagement.

About Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Located in Washington, D.C., Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is the former residence of businesswoman, philanthropist, and collector Marjorie Merriweather Post. The museum is internationally renowned for its exceptional collections of Russian imperial art—including Fabergé eggs—and 18th- and 19th-century French decorative arts. The estate also features one of the nation’s finest orchid collections and twenty-five acres of landscaped gardens. Through its exhibitions, research, and publications, Hillwood preserves and celebrates the artistic legacy and collecting vision of Marjorie Merriweather Post.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study:
    Write and submit a case study (500 words):Select a decorative arts object from the Hillwood collection and explain how archival research and careful documentation (such as updating object files or matching objects to their storage boxes) help museums preserve and interpret their collections.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Petit Palais

Nov 3, 2025
A curatorial internship offering hands-on experience in decorative arts research, cataloguing, and exhibition preparation within one of Paris’s most prestigious fine arts museums.

Petit Palais

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to offer graduate students specializing in decorative arts an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in curatorial research and collection management within one of Paris’s most prestigious fine arts museums.

Working closely with the curatorial team, the selected intern will assist with research, documentation, and exhibition preparation related to the museum’s decorative arts collections. Tasks may include cataloguing objects, consulting archives, and contributing to the development of interpretive materials for upcoming displays. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend curatorial meetings and observe the day-to-day organization of a major museum dedicated to both heritage and innovation.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of decorative arts history, materials, and techniques, while exploring the curatorial challenges of presenting these works to a broad public.

About the Petit Palais
The Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and houses an exceptional collection spanning Antiquity to the early 20th century. Its holdings include remarkable examples of French decorative arts, from 18th-century furniture and ceramics to Art Nouveau masterpieces by artists such as Gallé, Guimard, Lalique, and Carriès. The museum’s luminous architecture and landscaped courtyard garden make it one of Paris’s most elegant settings for the study and display of the decorative arts.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study:
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Analyze how the choice of materials in decorative arts—such as glass, ceramics, or metalwork—contributes to the aesthetic and symbolic impact of an object.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Musée d’Orsay

Nov 3, 2025
A graduate-level curatorial internship offering hands-on experience in exhibition research, cataloguing, and curatorial practice within one of the world’s foremost museums of 19th-century art.

Musée d’Orsay

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to provide graduate art history students aspiring to a curatorial career with an in-depth understanding of curatorial practice within one of the world’s leading museums dedicated to 19th-century art.

The successful candidate will work closely with the curatorial team, gaining first-hand experience with the research, cataloguing, and preparation of temporary exhibitions devoted to French and American painting of the period. The internship will also offer exposure to curatorial meetings and to the broader communication strategies that support the museum’s mission.

Through these activities, interns will gain valuable insight into the daily responsibilities, decision-making processes, and creative challenges involved in exhibition planning and collection research at a major international museum.

About the Musée d’Orsay
Housed in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station on the banks of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay holds the world’s richest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, alongside major works of sculpture, photography, decorative arts, and architecture from 1848 to 1914. Its collection includes celebrated paintings by Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. The museum stands as an essential reference for the study of modern art and its transatlantic dialogues.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study:
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss how the exchange between French and American artists in the late 19th century shaped the development of Impressionism and modern art.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Barnes Foundation

Nov 3, 2025
A graduate-level internship offering hands-on curatorial research experience at the Barnes Foundation, working with one of the most renowned art collections in the United States.

Barnes Foundation

Barnes Foundation

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to offer graduate art history students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of curatorial research and exhibition development within one of the most renowned art collections in the United States.

Working closely with the curatorial or research and interpretation teams, the successful candidate will research a selected work from the Barnes Foundation’s permanent collection, research and write short- and long-format interpretive materials, or contribute to the preparation of a special exhibition. Interns may develop an “object white paper” — a scholarly report for the museum’s internal files — and present their findings to colleagues at the end of the program. The internship also includes participation in departmental meetings, research colloquia, and training in The Museum System (TMS), the Barnes’ collections management software.

About the Barnes Foundation
Founded in 1922 by Dr. Albert C. Barnes, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia is home to one of the world’s most important collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings, as well as exceptional examples of African sculpture, metalwork, and decorative arts. The Barnes is dedicated to promoting the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts through its unique curatorial vision and educational mission.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study:
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Select one artwork from the Barnes Foundation’s collection and discuss its historical and artistic significance.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

National WWII Museum

Feb 14, 2025
Learn how to curate and preserve military history at a renowned museum in a vibrant city.

National WWII Museum


Internship Description
This internship provides a unique opportunity for art history or history students to gain an in-depth understanding of the daily tasks involved in the curation and preservation of military history at a renowned museum. Interns will work closely with curatorial staff to contribute to various aspects of the museum’s mission, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing the collection.

A key component of the internship will be assisting with an inventory project focused on the museum’s weapons and artifact collection. The intern will update the museum’s database, assess the state of preservation, and contribute to the care and documentation of these critical historical objects.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in an inventory project, updating the museum’s database for the weapons and artifact collection.
  • Evaluate the state of preservation of items in the collection and contribute to conservation efforts.
  • Work with curatorial staff on tasks related to exhibition planning, collection care, and archival work.
  • Gain hands-on experience with museum best practices for artifact preservation, documentation, and cataloging.
  • Participate in general curatorial tasks related to the museum’s exhibits and collections.

This internship offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience in the field of museum curation, focusing on the preservation and organization of World War II artifacts. Interns will develop valuable skills in collection management, conservation, and research while contributing to the museum’s mission to honor and preserve the history of World War II.

About the National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum, located in New Orleans, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the United States’ contributions to the Allied victory in World War II. With a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and personal stories, the museum offers an immersive and educational experience that highlights the global impact of the war and the bravery of those involved. The museum is committed to advancing historical research and curatorial practices to ensure the legacy of World War II is passed down to future generations.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Case study :
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss the story of American experience in the WWII (why it was fought, how it was won and what it means today)

Opéra de Paris

Feb 7, 2025
Work closely with historical costume artifacts and gain hands-on experience in museum and archival practices.

Opéra de Paris

About the Costume Heritage Department:

The mission of the Costume Heritage Department of the Opéra de Paris is to store, inventory, and preserve the Paris Opera’s extensive collection of stage costumes and accessories. A significant part of their work involves safeguarding retired costumes from the repertoire. Within their archives, they maintain a collection of approximately 300 opera jewelry pieces dating back to the 19th century, some predating the construction of the Palais Garnier.

Internship Overview

The Costume Heritage Department at the Opéra de Paris is seeking a dedicated and meticulous intern to assist with the preservation, documentation, and research of its opera jewelry collection. This internship provides a rare opportunity to work closely with historical costume artifacts and gain hands-on experience in museum and archival practices.

Responsibilities:

  • Reference each jewelry piece in the Dièse software after assigning an inventory number in the form of a barcode.
  • Create appropriate packaging for the jewelry following preventive conservation standards.
  • Conduct research to identify the productions from which these pieces originated and compile a dedicated documentation file.
  • Assist in the general organization and storage of the costume collection.
  • Collaborate with costume conservation specialists to implement best preservation practices.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Case study :
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss the role of costumes and accessories in the performing arts.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Feb 7, 2025
Collaborate on two key archival projects as part of a campaign to enhance Vaux-le-Vicomte's collection visibility.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Internship description

As part of a campaign to enhance the visibility of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte’s archival collections, two key projects—an inventory and a digitization initiative—are to be undertaken.

The “Sommier” archive collection, which documents the history of the family and their establishment at the château, provides a remarkable account of family life on the estate and the evolution of its architecture and collections between 1875 and 1967. Comprising around twenty boxes of archives, this untapped resource requires a full inventory. This work will be closely linked to the planned publication of a book dedicated to the château’s collections and the family’s history.

The archival collection of the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte is the focus of a digitization campaign aimed at increasing accessibility to these materials and showcasing their historical significance. The goal is to make these documents available online via the Association’s website. This collection, which includes fascinating archives from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, is deeply tied to the history of the château but remains largely underutilized today.

The intern will work closely with the conservation officer on both projects. Their responsibilities will include:

  • Conducting a detailed inventory of all documents within the “Sommier” archive boxes, following the classification framework established by the conservation officer.
  • Identifying documents relevant to the publication on the château’s collections and history.
  • Communicating with the authors contributing to the book to provide them with documents that could enrich ongoing research.
  • Using specialized equipment to digitize selected archival materials from the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte’s collection.
  • Exploring different methods for making these archives accessible and engaging on the Association’s website and presenting proposals for validation by the President of the Association and the conservation officer.
  • Managing the online publication of these materials and ensuring their accessibility for digital consultation.
  • Hosting a presentation for the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte to share insights from the project and contribute to the broader effort of promoting both the archives and the digitization work.

About Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Designed between 1658 and 1661 for Louis XIV’s Superintendent of Finances, Nicolas Fouquet, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is an architectural masterpiece born from the collaboration of three iconic 17th-century artists: architect Louis Le Vau, landscape designer André Le Nôtre, and painter Charles Le Brun. Open to the public since 1968, the château and its gardens house a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, engravings, and decorative arts.

For several years, the Vogüé family has been dedicated to the professional management and preservation of this collection and its reserves. Significant initiatives have already been undertaken, including a comprehensive inventory, the development of a preventive conservation strategy, and the monitoring of temperature and humidity variations in the exhibition rooms. However, much work remains to be done. The addition of an intern would provide valuable support in advancing the project to showcase and enhance the collections, including those belonging to the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Case study :
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Explore the influence of the castle on French art and architecture of the 17th century.

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris

Jan 29, 2025
Develop an in-depth understanding of the complexities and decision-making of curating a major city museum.

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to provide mature art history students who intends on pursuing a career in curation with an in-depth understanding of the complexities and decision-making process of the Carnavalet Museum.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to participate in curatorial business meetings and work closely with the curator and her staff in a variety of tasks including parsing through archives and files, cataloguing and researching in the unique museum called “the Paris City Museum”. 

About the Musée Carnavalet
Conceived as a true journey into the past and present of Paris, the museum’s presentation exhibits the greatest historical treasures of the museum, from prehistory to the present. Paintings, sculptures, furniture, woodwork, objets d’art, historical objects, signs, photographs, drawings, engravings, posters, models, medals, coins and archaeological collections retrace the history of Paris in a unique way: it is at once historical, documentary, emotional and close to the heart of all Parisians. 

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss effective communication strategies to engage the younger generation with a historical exhibition.
  • Resume
  • Cover letter