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Home>Employment Opportunities>FAQs: Internships

# FAQs: Internships

We’ve compiled a list of common questions about our Summer and Academic Year Internship Programs.

We hope these answers provide a clearer understanding of what our internships offer. If you have a question that’s not addressed here, please feel free to reach out to us using the contact information provided below. We’re here to help and ensure that your experience with us, from application to internship, is informative and engaging.

Are non-US citizens eligible to apply for internships at the National Gallery of Art?

United States citizens and foreign nationals currently in the United States on F-1 visas will be considered for internships in 2024–2025. If you’re accepted into the internship program, the National Gallery will assist you with the required paperwork. International interns are responsible for obtaining health insurance for the duration of the internship.

Can I apply to both the summer and academic year internship?

Yes. Please fill out a separate online application for each internship program.

What happens after I submit my application?

After you submit your application, it’ll be reviewed by our selection committee. You’ll receive an automated confirmation email upon submission. If your application is shortlisted, we’ll contact you via email to arrange a virtual interview with a small panel of National Gallery staff. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we can’t provide specific feedback on each application.

Are internships at the National Gallery paid?

Yes! Interns are paid a stipend equal to $25.26 per hour. We offer paid opportunities to eliminate financial barriers, ensuring that talent and enthusiasm are the keys to joining our program.

Do you offer housing?

We don’t provide direct housing arrangements for interns. However, we’re committed to easing the financial burden of living in Washington, D.C. Therefore, all accepted interns will receive a modest one-time cost-of-living stipend. This stipend is designed to assist with housing and travel/relocation expenses during your internship.

Can I earn academic credit for completing an internship?

It may be possible to receive academic credit. It’s your responsibility to arrange to receive credit with your university before the internship start date.

Where would I work as an intern at the National Gallery?

Responsibilities in our diverse and dynamic program may include:
                    - Assisting in Field-Leading Research Projects:  Delve into groundbreaking research that aligns with your academic interests or opens new areas of exploration.
                    - Supporting the Planning and Execution of Exhibitions:  Contribute to the creation of engaging exhibitions, an opportunity that ranges from conceptual development to logistical execution, tailored to your creative or organizational strengths.
                    - Contributing to Our Learning and Engagement Programs:  Engage with audiences of all ages and backgrounds in educational initiatives, matching your skills in communication, teaching, or community engagement.
                    - Enhancing Visitor Experience and Engagement:  Get involved in projects that improve visitor interactions with art, suited to your interests in public engagement or visitor studies.
                    - Supporting Operations and Administration:  Gain experience in the behind-the-scenes operations of a major museum, a fit for those interested in arts management or administrative roles.
                    - Collaborating on Digital Initiatives:  Work with our digital team on projects that resonate with your tech-savvy skills or interests in digital marketing and social media.
                    - Participating in Facilities Management and Maintenance:  Engage in the essential world of facilities management at the National Gallery. This experience is ideal for those interested in understanding how the physical space and environment of a museum play a critical role in the preservation and presentation of art.
                    - Involvement in Conservation and Collection Management:  Participate in the care and management of art collections, an ideal match for those with a detail-oriented approach and interest in art preservation.

The roles listed above are just a glimpse of the many opportunities available at the National Gallery. Our diverse departments offer a wide range of experiences. We’re committed to finding a placement where your unique skills and passions can thrive, fostering your individual career aspirations and professional growth, while contributing meaningfully to our work and mission.

What is a hybrid internship and how does it work?

A hybrid internship involves regular commutes to the National Gallery, though not daily commutes. For example, a hybrid intern may commute to the National Gallery three days a week for regularly scheduled in-person work and interactions, while working from a location of their choosing the rest of the week.

Besides specific project work, what types of learning and networking opportunities are provided by the internship program?

Weekly sessions will introduce you to the staff, departments, programs, and functions of the National Gallery. Session speakers may include curators, administrators, conservators, scientists, facilities managers, and many more. Through these weekly sessions, you’ll have an opportunity to build a professional network of staff from across the gallery, as we’ll as a cohort of other interns.

Do you offer application and workplace accommodations for interns with disabilities?

Yes. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone can apply to the program and can participate fully if accepted. Please email George Luna-Peña, Manager of Pre-professional Programs, at [email protected] to inquire about available accommodations.

I’m not majoring in the arts. Is this program right for me?

Absolutely! Our internship program is meant to develop transferrable skills applicable to museum careers as well as other fields. You’re not required to have prior background or experience in the arts, and many interns have participated as non-arts majors.

When is the application deadline for the internship program?

                    - Summer internship: February 29, 2024 at 5:00PM EST
                    - Academic year internship: April 3, 2024 at 5:00PM EST

Who can apply to the summer internship program?

                    - The summer internship program is open to anyone with a passion for art and museums, including students, recent graduates, career changers, and individuals new to the field. No specific academic major or background is required. 
                    - Our Academic Year Internship Program is designed for candidates who have an undergraduate degree or will have one by Spring 2024 and current or former graduate students. We’re looking for individuals from a variety of academic disciplines and with a strong desire to gain hands-on experience in a museum setting. 
                    - The National Gallery of Art is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work force. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the 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.

What are the application requirements for the internship program?

Online Application (Personal and Contact Information)

Education, Experience, Skills, and Interests
                    - Current/most recent educational institution, degree program, major/minor, graduation date
                    - Brief description of recent work, volunteer, or internship experience
                    - Skills and interests in various museum-related areas
                    - Language proficiency

Short Answer Questions
                    - Four questions focusing on your motivations, goals, personal journey in the arts, and preparedness for the opportunity (250 words each)

Document Submission
                    - Written or creative work samples (up to 10 pages)
                    - Résumé or CV, or a written summary of relevant experiences if no formal résumé is available.

Two References:
                    - Contact information for two references, including their relationship to you and a brief note on why chosen.

While these FAQs cover a wide range of topics, we understand that you may have specific questions unique to your situation. Please don't hesitate to reach out to George Luna-Peña, Manager of Pre-professional Programs, at [email protected] with your questions!

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