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.

As we shift programming and introduce new safety protocols that accommodate the museum’s activities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to announce our 2023 Internship Program will be hybrid, conducted both remotely and onsite.

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, those who would like to pursue a career at the museum.

SFMOMA’s internship program is open to talented students of all backgrounds. We value diversity in culture, race and ethnicity, and gender expression. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts are encouraged to apply. SFMOMA is currently accepting applications for paid summer 2023 internships. 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’s internship program is generously supported by

Browse Internship Opportunities

“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

SFMOMA SUMMER 2023 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

SFMOMA’s full-time (35 hours per week), ten-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 “Lunch and Learn” presentations, and on- and off-site networking and learning opportunities with industry colleagues.

Program dates

June 5, 2023–August 11, 2023

Program highlights

Paid* stipend for participation in the full ten-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
One-year SFMOMA Individual Membership which includes:
- SFMOMA tickets + guest tickets
- Discounts at SFMOMA’s restaurants and the Museum Store
- Free admission to other museums

*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.

Resume
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 March 2023

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)

Application deadline

Your complete application including all listed materials above must be submitted on or before midnight, March 20, 2023, to be considered.

Application review and interview requests

Candidate interviews may begin as early as February 28, 2023. We highly encourage submitting applications by this date.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for internships?

All interns must be 18 and 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.

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 March via email or phone if selected to interview with the intern supervisor. Interviews will be conducted in person whenever possible or via video conference call.

Will I be notified if I don’t get selected?

We will notify those who aren’t selected by email.

Can I reapply if my first application is unsuccessful in summer 2022?

Yes. You may reapply for the 2023 Internship Program.

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.