INTERNSHIP DETAILS

19th Century European Paintings Research Graduate Intern

CompanyMuseum of Fine Arts
LocationBoston
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 14, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will conduct library and database research to support upcoming exhibitions on Renoir and Degas and augment curatorial object files. Responsibilities include compiling bibliographies, updating exhibition checklists, and translating research texts into English.
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

*This is a two-semester-long internship.

The MFA's European paintings collection is acknowledged as one of the strongest in North America, with especially deep holdings in Italian gold-ground works, seventeenth-century Dutch paintings, and nineteenth-century French pictures, including one of the largest collections of works by Claude Monet outside of France.

The Art of Europe department seeks a graduate intern who wishes a deeper familiarity with this important paintings collection and the research tasks of a curator. Working with the William and Ann Elfers Curator of Paintings, the graduate research intern will undertake specific research connected to major upcoming exhibitions focused on Renoir and Degas, as well as areas of the permanent collection. Interns will receive training and can expect to refine their research skills. Interns will be included in behind-the-scenes visits and learning opportunities. In addition to the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course (see below), interns will be included in behind-the-scenes visits and learning opportunities organized by the Art of Europe.

Successful candidates will be mature, detail-oriented, able to work independently, adept with technology and administrative tasks, and will have a demonstrated interest in curatorial work. Please note any foreign language skills and proficiency; knowledge of French language and art history is preferred.

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 20 hours weekly, mostly between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday between September 11, 2026 – May 14, 2027. Additionally, graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 11, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them.

The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.95 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.

Responsibilities may include: 

  • Undertaking library research related to upcoming exhibitions and publications on Renoir, Degas, and other Impressionist/Modern projects, including preparation of research summaries, tracking down sources online or in libraries.
  • Researching potential loans from other institutions via databases and publications
  • Compiling bibliographies and gathering resources on particular artists or themes related to exhibitions and the accompanying publications.
  • Updating the working checklists for upcoming exhibitions and installations in the form of PowerPoints and database records
  • Augmenting curatorial object files with new research conducted in art history libraries, including the compilation of bibliographies and exhibition histories on 19th century paintings in the collection.
  • Reconciling bibliographies and exhibition histories with that in the MFA collections database
  • Ensuring complete and accurate documentation in hard copy and electronic formats
  • Translating research texts into English
  • Learning about and assisting with daily tasks, both research and clerical
  • *Prepare and offer a 3–5-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.

Qualifications:

  • Enrollment in, or recent completion, (i.e., within last two years), of an M.A. or Ph.D. graduate program in art history
  • Academic background in Renoir, Degas, or late 19th-century French art
  • Substantial experience using libraries to research European art.
  • *Reading knowledge of at least one non-English European language, preferably French
  • Ability to work onsite 20 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between September 11, 2026 – May 14, 2027. 
    • Additionally, graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 11, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them. 
  • 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 include all 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 interview. 
    5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone 
  1. Save your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2026)
  1. Upload the single document as your resume via the employment portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before August 15, 2026. 
  1. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. 
  2. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. 
**Applications not aligning with these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.
Key Skills
Art History ResearchCuratorial WorkLibrary ResearchFrench Language ProficiencyDatabase ManagementBibliography CompilationTranslationAdministrative TasksMicrosoft PowerPointAcademic Writing
Categories
Art & DesignScience & ResearchEducationCreative & MediaAdministrative
Benefits
Transportation Subsidy