National Gallery of Art

The Department of Adult Programs recruits and orients volunteers who staff the Information Desks at the entrances to the East and West Buildings. These volunteers are the face of the museum for many of our visitors, as they provide assistance and information, answering a range of questions about the permanent collections, special exhibitions, and Gallery programs and activities. They also keep the desks stocked with maps and brochures for the public, track visitor requests, questions, and comments, and assist with visitor surveys from time to time.

The Division of Education recruits and teaches volunteers to lead general tours. Various tours are designed to serve the interests of both children and adults and are made available for the permanent collections and special exhibitions. Volunteer docents also give tours in foreign languages to students and adults. To participate in the foreign language program, a tour leader must speak with the fluency of a native speaker.

The division of horticulture recruits volunteers with a passion for gardening. There are volunteer opportunities both indoors and out, depending on the volunteer's preference and the horticulture department's current projects. Volunteers are welcome to start at any time of year and are encouraged to commit for one year as a way to experience the different seasons of horticulture with the Gallery.

For information on volunteer opportunities in the National Gallery of Art Library, please send your résumé to:

Head of Reader Services
National Gallery of Art Library
2000 B South Club Drive
Landover, MD 20785

The department of teacher, school, and family programs recruits local high school student volunteers for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Student volunteers assist with clerical and administrative tasks that support the department's education programs.