All interns must be 18 or older and a current college student or recent graduate. (Please read the individual internship descriptions for additional requirements.) SFMOMA values diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, and gender expression. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts are encouraged to apply. Please note, international applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
Internship Program
We endeavor to create a safe museum environment that allows us to do what we do best — share the art of our time with passion and purpose.
An internship at SFMOMA is an excellent first step if you are a college student or recent graduate* interested in learning more about how museums work, are considering pursuing academic credit for an undergraduate- or graduate-level program, or for those who would like to pursue a career in the museum sector.
SFMOMA’s internship program is open to talented students of all backgrounds. We value diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, and gender expression. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts are encouraged to apply. SFMOMA will accept applications for paid summer 2025 internships from Monday, January 6, 2025, through Friday, March 14, 2025. Internship applicants must be lawfully eligible or authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer-based sponsorship. See below for application details.
*SFMOMA recognizes recent graduates as any student who has graduated within six months of the summer 2025 internship program start date. Current employees of SFMOMA are not eligible to apply for a summer 2025 internship. Please note that an internship with SFMOMA does not guarantee employment at SFMOMA.
“The internship program gave me valuable insight into the curatorial field. I am grateful to have been able to contribute to research and curatorial work that supports diverse practices.”
DIVYA SARAF, FORMER 2021 Summer INTERN / CURATORIAL ASSISTANT I - ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
Second navigation
SFMOMA SUMMER 2025 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
SFMOMA’s full-time (35 hours per week), nine-week paid summer internship program for undergraduate and graduate students introduces participants to the full spectrum of possible museum careers as well as builds foundational leadership skills.
Interns receive an insider view of museum administration, including training with a mentor, hands-on project experience, and professional development opportunities.
Additional program activities include meetings with various staff and department heads at SFMOMA, curatorial tours, department presentations with Q+A, and on- and off-site networking and learning opportunities with industry colleagues.
Program dates
- June 16–August 15, 2025
Program highlights
- Paid* stipend for participation in the full nine-week program
- Experience working closely with museum professionals on unique internship projects
- Weekly presentations and discussions with SFMOMA leaders
- Professional and career development workshops and opportunities
- Invitations to exhibition openings and curatorial walk-throughs
- Free admission to partner museums
- One-year SFMOMA Individual Membership which includes:
- SFMOMA tickets + guest tickets
- Discounts at SFMOMA’s restaurants and the Museum Store
*As this is a paid internship, all applicants must be lawfully eligible or authorized to work In the U.S. without the need for employer-based sponsorship. If hired, Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed prior to the start of employment.
How to Apply
Submit the following application materials to the internship posting(s) of your choice (three maximum, please) found on our SFMOMA Job Board no later than Friday, March 14, 2025.
- Résumé
- One cover letter stating the specific internship(s) of interest, including:
- Your top three department choices
- Description of the experience you bring to these areas
- Why you are interested in museum or nonprofit work
- Reasons for applying to SFMOMA
- Your goals for the internship(s)
- Your availability to interview starting as early as April 14, 2025
-
- Two letters of recommendation from college professors or former employers
- Please inform those writing your recommendations which internships you are applying for. Each recommendation letter can be used for three internship applications.
- College transcript (transcripts can be unofficial but must be legible)
- If you are in a graduate/masters/law program, please provide the transcripts from your current/most recent university/college
- Writing samples may be required for some internships. Please read job postings carefully.
- Two letters of recommendation from college professors or former employers
Application deadline
Your complete application including all listed materials above must be submitted on or before midnight, March 14, 2025, to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed or accepted.
Application review and interview requests
Candidate interviews will begin around April 14, 2025, and conclude by approximately May 1, 2025.*
All application materials must be uploaded directly to the online application portal or (for professors, former employers, and/or universities/colleges) to the third-party submission form linked in the application.
SFMOMA is happy to work with educational institutions to provide credit for an internship and is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its internship program.
The SFMOMA Internship Program is generously supported by
What are the eligibility requirements for internships?
Does the museum accept international students?
Yes. As this is a paid internship, all applicants must be lawfully eligible or authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer-based sponsorship. If hired, Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment.
Please review additional guidance on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service Form I-9 acceptable documents.
Are internships at SFMOMA paid?
Summer interns receive a paid stipend for participation in the full program.
How will I know my application has been received?
Applicants receive confirmation of receipt via email after submitting the online application and uploading the required materials.
How will I know if I’ve been selected for an interview?
Applicants will be contacted by SFMOMA in early April via email or phone if selected to interview with the intern supervisor. Interviews will be conducted via video conference call.
Will I be notified if I don’t get selected?
We will notify those who aren’t selected by email.
How would an internship prepare me for a possible position at the museum?
An SFMOMA internship provides valuable hands-on experience, skills, and insight into what it’s like to work in an art museum. SFMOMA interns are encouraged to apply for open positions at SFMOMA after completing their internship. (Employment is not guaranteed.)
Will I be able to interact with colleagues outside my department?
Yes. In addition to curatorial walk-throughs, “Lunch + Learn” presentations, and roundtable discussions, interns meet staff from all museum departments and are matched to a mentor outside of their assigned internship department.
Can I use my SFMOMA ID badge at other museums in the city?
Yes. All interns receive an SFMOMA identification badge that provides free or discounted entrance to other museums and cultural institutions in the Bay Area.
Will I get course credit for my internship?
SFMOMA can work with you to arrange academic credit. Interns are responsible for initiating the process with their college or university and for ensuring that required paperwork is completed.
Is housing available for interns?
Interns are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
Are interns required to attend an orientation?
Yes. All interns attend an orientation on their first day. The orientation officially welcomes interns to SFMOMA, provides important information about the museum and its policies and procedures, ensures required stipend payment forms are completed, and offers an introduction to fellow interns and SFMOMA staff.
SFMOMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to ensuring that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.