INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Art of Europe Curatorial and Administrative Undergraduate Intern

CompanyMuseum of Fine Arts
LocationBoston
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 14, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will conduct curatorial research to augment painting object files and assist in the preparation of upcoming exhibitions. Responsibilities include updating the collections database, editing exhibition catalogues, and performing general administrative tasks.
Internship Type
temporary hourly
Company Size
980
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
20 hours
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About The Company
The MFA is open. Open to new ideas that broaden our perspectives. Open to every visitor, from the curious to the lifelong learner. Open to new possibilities discovered through art. Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells the story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. We welcome diverse perspectives, both within the artwork and among our visitors. Where many worldviews meet, new ways of seeing, thinking, and understanding emerge. The conversations we inspire bring people together—revealing connections, exploring differences, and creating a community where all belong.
About the Role

The Art of Europe department of the Museum of Fine Arts houses one of the world’s preeminent collections of European art from the Middle Ages to the mid-twentieth century, including paintings, sculptures, furniture and decorative arts. Areas of particular distinction include Italian Renaissance relief sculpture, Dutch paintings in the age of Rembrandt, Impressionist paintings, and English silver.

The department is seeking an undergraduate intern for the fall semester who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of this significant collection and the tasks involved in curatorial research and administration. The intern will work closely with the Department Coordinator for the Art of Europe, in consultation with the Department Chair. This internship provides hands-on experience in museum work.

A focus of the internship will be research and the creation of departmental hard-copy files, as well as assisting with various projects throughout the department. Interns will learn how to use our collections database system, The Museum System (TMS). Additionally, the undergraduate research intern will assist in upcoming exhibitions, covering topics such as Spanish art, and Flemish and Dutch art from the 17th and 18th centuries. Interns will receive training and can expect to refine their research skills. Furthermore, they will participate in behind-the-scenes visits and various learning opportunities.

Successful candidates should be mature, detail-oriented, and skilled in technology and administrative tasks, with a demonstrated interest in museum work. Please include any foreign language experience.

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 20 hours weekly, between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday between Sept 11 – Dec 11, including attendance at the weekly Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20, and Dec 4. Additionally, interns must attend orientation on Fri, Sept 11, (10am-3:30pm.) 

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings.

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

  • Augmenting painting object files with new research conducted in art history libraries, including the compilation of bibliographies and exhibition histories on works in the collection.
  • Reconciling this information with that in the MFA collections database
  • Ensure complete and accurate documentation in hard copy and electronic formats.
  • Library research related to upcoming exhibitions and preparation of research summaries, tracking down sources online or in libraries.
  • Updating the working checklist for exhibitions in the form of PowerPoints, spreadsheets, and lists
  • Editing and proofreading connected to the production of exhibition catalogues. 
  • Opportunities to learn about and assist with daily tasks, both research and clerical, such as drafting labels and wall texts and responding to public inquiries 
  • *Prepare and offer a 3–5-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course

Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in an undergraduate program in history, art history, or museum studies, or a related area of study concurrent with the internship period (class of 2027 or 2028 preferred)
  • Basic knowledge of art history or museum studies
  • Demonstrated interest in learning about curatorial activities.
  • Previous office experience or related work
  • Familiarity with computer software, especially databases, is desirable.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and reliability; ability to work independently. 
  • Ability to work onsite 20 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between Sept 11 – Dec 11, including attendance at the weekly Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20, and Dec 4. 
  • Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 11, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm. 

How to Apply

DO NOT INCLUDE any document (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or even recommendations), that is not specifically requested within this description. DO NOT INCLUDE your photo in your resume or cover letter. Explicitly follow these instructions as printed.

  1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must includeall of the following: 
    1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
    2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
    3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
    4. any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview. 
    5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone 
  2. Save your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2025)
  3. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston before Aug 15, 2026 
  4. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. 
  5. Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. 
*Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.
Key Skills
Curatorial ResearchAdministrative TasksDatabase ManagementArt History ResearchProofreadingEditingLibrary ResearchData EntryAttention To DetailTechnology ProficiencyCommunicationOrganization
Categories
Art & DesignScience & ResearchAdministrativeEducationCreative & Media
Benefits
Transportation Subsidy
Art of Europe Curatorial and Administrative Undergraduate Intern - InternshipsHQ