Archives, Library, and Research Collections Internship (Summer 2026)

Description

About the Summer Internship Program

The Summer Internship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students and beginning professionals with practical experience in a specific area of museum work at The Museum of Modern Art. Interns participate in weekly professional development activities designed to increase understanding of the Museum’s various collections, exhibitions, and departments. The Museum hosts approximately 25 interns in various departments across our institution. Participants may arrange for academic credit through their school, but it is not a requirement.

MoMA Summer 2026 internships require a commitment of four days per week. The schedule is Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. One must have a minimum of two years of college completed (or equivalent) by June 2026 in order to apply.

All summer intern applications are due by Sunday, March 1st by 11:59 PM EST.

Duration: June 8—August 13; Ten Weeks

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

Decision Notification: April 20, 2026

Stipend: $6,160

Department Projects & Tasks

The intern will assist with organizing, inventorying, and rehousing library and archive materials; digitizing archival documents for publishing online; contributing to research guides published by the department; and aiding department staff with various tasks critical to day-to-day patron services and operations. The intern will become acquainted with all aspects of a library and archives in a museum environment; gain hands-on experience with library and archives material; and gain further understanding of research activities and needs of curatorial staff and art scholars. Projects will also focus on MoMA’s 100th Anniversary planning and research.

Department Skillset Requirements

Current student or BA in humanities, knowledge of modern art and art history; prior experience with libraries and archives; proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Docs products; excellent communication skills and attention to detail; and the ability to lift 30 pounds and to reach high and low shelves. The intern will be trained on any other tools necessary to their work.

How to Apply

The following items are required as part of your online application through MoMA’s UKG Recruiting Portal:

1. Essay

One essay submitted in PDF format. Essay should be no longer than 650 words and answer the prompt below as follows:

• Why are you interested in participating in an internship at The Museum of Modern Art? In response, be sure to address both:
  • a) The role of museums and how you envision their potential for evolution
  • b) Individual or an experience that has influenced your perception of the arts

2. Résumé

Your résumé/curriculum vitae, in PDF format, directly uploaded to your application.

3. Letter of Recommendation

At least one letter of recommendation, in PDF format, directly uploaded to your application.

4. Transcript

Transcript(s) of undergraduate and/or graduate records, in PDF format, directly uploaded to your application.

Unofficial transcripts are accepted. If you do not have access to an unofficial transcript, allow sufficient time to order a transcript from your college or university to attach as a PDF by the deadline.

Please note: we will not review applications received after the deadline, and we will only review complete applications. 

Select applicants will be contacted to arrange interviews in late March. If we request an interview with you, we will contact you to arrange a convenient date and time for you.

For a complete list of available internships at MoMA, please go to www.moma.org/about/careers/internships

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).