United States

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

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

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

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)