Internship Program

“The internship program at SFMOMA is one of the museum’s highest priorities. I was made to feel like an integral part of the museum’s mission and to be proud of our upcoming projects.”

Katie B., former intern

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)’s internship programs give students a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of one of the country’s leading modern and contemporary art museums. If you are a college student or recent graduate interested in learning more about how museums work, are considering academic credit, or hoping to pursue a career at the museum, an internship at SFMOMA is an excellent first step.

SFMOMA’s internship programs seek talented students of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, and gender expressions. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts are encouraged to apply. SFMOMA currently offers paid Summer 2020 internships. See below for details.

SFMOMA’s internship program is generously supported by

Browse Internship Opportunities

SFMOMA SUMMER 2020 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

SFMOMA’s full-time, ten-week paid summer internship program for undergraduate and graduate students provides an introduction to the full spectrum of possible museum careers as well as foundational leadership skills. Interns receive an insider view of museum administration, including mentor training, hands-on project experience, and professional development opportunities.

Internships begin Monday, June 8, 2020 and end Friday, August 14, 2020. Additional program activities include meetings with SFMOMA senior leaders, weekly curatorial tours, department “Lunch and Learn” presentations, roundtable discussions, visits to off-site SFMOMA facilities, networking opportunities with industry colleagues, and trips to other Bay Area museums and galleries.

Highlights

$5,456 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
One-on-one mentoring with an SFMOMA manager
Excursions to Bay Area arts organizations
Invitations to exhibition openings
SFMOMA Annual Membership which includes:
- SFMOMA Museum tickets
- Discounts at SFMOMA cafes and the Museum Store
- Free admission to other museums
- American Art Museum Annual Membership

How to Apply

Application Materials

Completed application
Resume
Cover letter stating the specific internship of interest. (Please list no more than three departments.) Describe the experience you bring to these particular areas. NOTE: Some SFMOMA internships require graduate-level training or unique software experience. Be sure to read the full internship description for specific education and training requirements.
Statement of purpose: No more than one page describing why you are interested in museum or nonprofit work, reasons for applying to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and your goals for the internship.
Two letters of recommendation from college professors or former employers. Please merge these into one pdf before submitting (and if the internship you are applying for requires a writing sample, please include it as part of that pdf).
College transcript: transcripts can be unofficial, but must be legible.
Availability for an in-person interview starting early March 2020. SKYPE and phone interviews will be considered for students who are living abroad or outside of the Bay Area.
Full program duration is June 8 through August 14, 2020.

SFMOMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its internship program.

To Apply

The application deadline for the SFMOMA Summer 2020 Internship Program is midnight, February 16, 2020.
Before applying, read the internship descriptions here.

SFMOMA is happy to work with educational institutions to provide credit for an internship.

The SFMOMA Internship Program is generously supported by

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for internships?

All interns must be 18 or older and a current college student or recent graduate. (Please read the individual internship descriptions for specific requirements.) SFMOMA values diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, and gender expression. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts are encouraged to apply.

Does the museum accept international students?

Yes. International applicants are reviewed on an individual basis and must have applicable visa eligibility to participate in a paid US internship. International students are responsible for obtaining required work authorizations for the internship period.

Are internships at SFMOMA paid?

Summer interns receive a $5,456 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 2020?

Yes. You may reapply for the 2021 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.

If my references prefer not to upload their recommendation letters, can they email or mail them directly to SFMOMA?

Yes. Recommendation letters may be sent by email to HRjobapplications@sfmoma.org. (Please include student’s first and last name – title of internship in the subject line of the email.)

Recommendation letters may also be sent via mail to:

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
HR Department – Summer 2020 Internship
151 Third Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

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.