The National Gallery Archives preserves and makes discoverable the institution’s unique past through its large collection of historical documents, photographs, architectural drawings, and audio/moving image recordings. Under staff direction, the intern is assigned a hands-on project to organize and describe—commonly known as processing—primary source materials using archival best practices and procedures. The materials chosen for processing fall into one of two categories: those created by National Gallery staff (former directors, curators, educators, etc.) as they carried out their duties at the museum (which was founded in 1941), or the papers and records of individuals or institutions with a strong connection to the National Gallery’s development and activities. All processing work results in developing aids that can be posted to the Gallery’s website and serve as guides to the contents of each archival collection. Candidates should have knowledge of archival principles and activities, and an interest in archives and special collections work. Preference is given to graduates of and current students in museum studies and archival studies graduate programs.
2023 Hybrid Summer Internships
Summer internships provide opportunities to work on projects directed by professional staff at the National Gallery. Weekly museum seminars introduce interns to the broad spectrum of museum work and to Gallery staff, departments, programs, and functions. Interns learn about the National Gallery’s collection and build upon their research and public-speaking skills by developing and presenting live art talks. Interns also participate in an intensive training program to learn how to talk about works of art in a way that is relevant, engaging, and accessible to diverse audiences.
The internship program features:
- Gallery talks with curators
- Discussions with top-level administrators, including the National Gallery’s director
- Conversations with staff from a wide variety of museum departments
- Behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations
- Presentations on the museum’s history and collection
- An omni-directional mentorship program that builds community, exchanges support and guidance, and develops a network of museum professionals
Eligibility
Those with an undergraduate degree or who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in their third or fourth year, and those who are either enrolled in or are graduates of a graduate program are welcome to apply. Candidates who are people of color, LGBTQ+, bilingual or multilingual, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Terms
Summer interns work a hybrid schedule, 40 hours per week, from Monday, June 12, to Friday, August 11, 2023. A hybrid work model incorporates a mixture of in-office and remote work. Interns should expect to work three days a week on-site but may work more. Interns must be available for the entire nine weeks.
Interns receive a stipend of $21.42 per hour that is subject to all applicable taxes. Interns who use an authorized method of public transportation receive an employer-provided fare subsidy to apply toward their monthly transit costs.
To the extent the internship involves the interns’ presence on National Gallery premises, interns agree to comply with all National Gallery guidelines, requests, or policies, including but not limited to those related to public health.
Application Timeline and Procedures
Deadline: February 1, 2023
All applications must be submitted online, in English, through our portal by February 1, 2023. Applications or related materials submitted via email, postal mail, in person, or through any application portal other than the one on the National Gallery’s official website are not accepted.
The online application requires:
- A personal statement (single-spaced, about 750 words) to the selection committee stating your reasons for participating in the museum training program at the National Gallery of Art at this point in your education or career. It should include what you hope to achieve from the experience, what you feel you can contribute to the department(s) in which you are interested, and how such an experience would further your education and career plans.
- A work sample, which can be an academic paper (no more than 20 pages including footnotes or endnotes, bibliography, and images). Additional options include other writing samples (for example, blog posts, teaching resources), project portfolios, and videos. An academic paper works best for a research position.
- A résumé or curriculum vitae of education, professional experience, honors, awards, and publications.
- Contact information for two references. One of these references must be someone who knows you in an academic context (either a professor or instructor). After you have submitted the name, title, and email address of your references, they will automatically be emailed instructions for uploading their letters online. We strongly encourage references to submit letters in English.
The deadline for all application materials, including letters of recommendation, is February 1 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).
We recommend that you edit and proofread your application carefully before submitting it, and perhaps ask one of your current or former instructors to look over your personal statement. If you are unsure about how to write a personal statement or are uncertain which work sample to submit, consider contacting the career services center at your college or university for guidance.
Late March
Final selection of interns.
Interviews
Interviews are not required. Do not contact individual staff members about internships in their departments. Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions if you have general questions about the program.
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. The National Gallery of Art is committed to diversity and offers equal opportunity and treatment to all who apply.
Summer Internship Projects
Applicants may list up to two projects, in order of preference, on the application.
Department of Gallery and Studio Learning
Division of Education
National Gallery of Art
2000B South Club Drive
Landover, MD 20785
[email protected]
(202) 842-6257
Please do not contact Gallery curators or other department heads directly regarding possible placement or projects.
Please review a list of Frequently Asked Questions about internships.