Summer Internships
An internship at the National Gallery is hands-on experience, meaningful mentorship, and pay that respects your time. Throughout the ten-week program, you’ll work on defined projects, participate in weekly cohort sessions led by staff, and develop a working understanding of how a major museum’s teams support exhibitions, collections, public programs, and digital initiatives.
What to expect from a summer internship
Projects and learning
We match interns with a project and department that connects to your skills and interests. Whether you’re drawn to conservation, digital storytelling, curatorial, archives, facilities, operations, or public programs, you’ll have meaningful work that pushes you to grow.
Mentorship and supervision
Each intern is paired with a supervisor in their department who provides day-to-day guidance, assigns projects, and offers regular feedback. You’ll work alongside staff on active projects and see how teams plan, collaborate, and make decisions across the museum.
In addition, interns are matched with a separate mentor outside their department who serves as a neutral thought partner for questions about career paths, workplace culture, and professional next steps. Together, this structure is designed to help you feel supported as you learn and work at the National Gallery.
Intern cohort and community
You’ll be part of a cohort of interns who learn together through weekly tours, conversations with staff at all levels of the museum, and behind-the-scenes experiences. By the end of the program, you’ll have professional contacts and peers who share your interest in the arts.
Paid and accessible
We believe internships should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to work for free. That’s why we offer:
- $25.26/hour for 10 weeks (total stipend amount is $10,104.00 for the summer)
- A $1,818 cost-of-living stipend to help with housing or general cost-of-living expenses. This additional stipend is disbursed throughout the summer.
- A transportation subsidy for public transit in Washington, D.C.
We structure pay and stipends to make the program more accessible for a wide range of students and emerging professionals. These supports are designed to reduce financial barriers and help you fully participate in the internship.
Program overview
Who can apply?
Our Summer Internship Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and career changers. We welcome anyone with a genuine interest in art, culture, and museum work.
Program details
- Duration: 10 weeks, June 1 – August 7, 2026
- Schedule: Full-time commitment required (40 hours a week)
- Depending on your project, you may combine on-site and remote work, decided with your supervisor
Application process
Deadline
February 16, 2026 by 5:00pm EST
What you'll submit
- Online application form
- Short-answer questions
- A résumé or CV
- One work sample
- Contact information for two references
Selection timeline
- Mid-February–early March: Applications reviewed by staff
- Early–mid March: Shortlisted candidates invited to virtual interviews
- Late March–early April: Final decisions announced
Important notes
- Apply only through our online portal (no email or postal submissions)
- Please don’t reach out directly to staff about internships
- Interviews are only required for shortlisted candidates
Equal opportunity
All qualified applicants are considered for an internship without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, or any other protected status.
