Organisation: Whitney Museum of American Art
Location: New York, US
Internship format: Hybrid, with some onsite work
Internship period: 15 September–5 December 2026
Commitment: 176 hours in total, approximately 16–21 hours per week
Stipend: $3,000
Application deadline: 14 August 2026
Application review: Rolling; positions may close before the deadline
The Whitney Museum of American Art is accepting applications for two paid curatorial internships as part of its Fall 2026 Ostrover Family Academic Internship programme.
Open to eligible students currently enrolled in accredited academic programmes, the internships combine practical museum experience with professional development, training and a weekly speaker series. Previous museum experience is not required.
Applicants must apply separately for their chosen internship.
Curatorial – Prewar Art Internship
The Prewar Art intern will support exhibitions and collection-related projects concerning American art from 1900 to 1960.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research and provide administrative support for forthcoming exhibitions focused on American art from 1900 to 1960
- Support permanent collection stewardship, gifts and acquisitions
- Conduct archival and provenance research
- Help prepare materials for the archives
- Assist with exhibition proposals, presentations and other departmental administration
Eligibility and requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate academic programme
- Previous research experience
- Demonstrated interest in art history
- Knowledge of or interest in American art from 1900 to 1960 is preferred
- Archival research experience is highly preferred
- Strong organisational and multitasking skills
- Proactive approach to work
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply
- Previous museum experience is not required
Curatorial – Latinx Art Internship
The Latinx Art intern will assist with exhibitions, research and collection-related projects focused on Latinx art.
Responsibilities
- Assist with exhibition planning for projects focused on Latinx art
- Prepare checklists, presentations and other exhibition materials
- Support research and administrative work relating to collection stewardship, acquisitions and forthcoming exhibitions
- Contribute to projects led by the Museum’s DeMartini Family Curator
Eligibility and requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate academic programme
- Completion of at least one year of academic coursework; first-year undergraduate students are not eligible
- Previous research experience
- Demonstrated interest in contemporary art history
- Knowledge of or interest in Latinx art is preferred
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply
- Previous museum experience is not required
Training and professional development
Interns will receive training in Raiser’s Edge and The Museum System. The wider programme also includes direct work experience, professional development and a weekly speaker series.
Application information
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, meaning either opportunity may close before the stated deadline. Applicants should use their cover letter to explain their interest in the arts and culture sector, what they hope to contribute and what they would like to gain from the internship.
About the Whitney Museum of American Art
Founded in 1930 by artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the Whitney Museum of American Art collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits American art of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The Museum supports artists and presents programmes reflecting the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States.
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from a broad range of candidates.
