Organizer Information
The École nationale supérieure d'architecture Paris-Malaquais – PSL (ENSAPM-PSL) is a prestigious French architecture school located in Paris, operating under the supervision of the French Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Established in its current institutional form in 2001, it is part of the PSL University network, one of France’s most prominent higher education and research clusters.
ENSAPM-PSL trains approximately 1,000 students in architecture and related disciplines, with a strong emphasis on Architecture, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The institution hosts three research laboratories and is integrated into PSL’s SACRe doctoral program, connecting architecture with arts and experimental research practices.
The school maintains strong national and international partnerships, collaborating with leading institutions such as ENSAD-PSL, Mines Paris-PSL, and École des Ponts ParisTech, while also maintaining more than 50 international academic agreements. It plays an active role in shaping contemporary architectural discourse through education, research, and exhibition-based knowledge production.
Title & Description
Assistant Curator (F/M) – ENSA Paris-Malaquais Exhibition Internship
ENSAPM-PSL is seeking an Assistant Curator (F/M) to support the development and production of a major curatorial and exhibition project at Cabinet Jean Bonna in Paris. This internship is embedded within a collaborative exhibition initiative involving ENSA Paris-Malaquais and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
The role focuses on assisting the curatorial team in the research, production, and mediation of an exhibition dedicated to architectural drawings spanning from the 18th century to the 1960s, centred around the theme of water.
The selected intern will contribute to Curatorial Practice, Exhibition Making, and cultural mediation processes, supporting both academic research and public-facing exhibition development.
The Role Overview
- Position: Assistant Curator (F/M) – Internship
- Institution: ENSA Paris-Malaquais – PSL
- Location: Paris, France
- Contract Type: Internship (Fixed-term)
- Duration: 6 months
- Start Date: October 2026
- End Date: March 2027
- Reporting To: Lead Curator (ENSAPM-PSL exhibition team / Bérénice Gaussuin)
- Programme Scope: Exhibition research, production, mediation, publication support
- Working Structure: Full-time (flexible depending on needs)
Position & Tasks
The Assistant Curator will support the curatorial team across research, production, and mediation activities:
Curatorial Research
- Conduct archival and library research related to architectural history
- Support content development for the exhibition narrative
- Participate in curatorial meetings and conceptual discussions
- Contribute to catalogue writing and exhibition documentation
- Assist in preparing scientific and interpretive materials
Exhibition Production & Assembly
- Assist in coordinating exhibition production workflows
- Participate in installation and assembly processes
- Support logistical planning and exhibition implementation
- Contribute to coordination between partner institutions
Mediation & Publication
- Assist in writing educational and interpretive materials (labels, biographies, press kits)
- Support communication teams in producing public-facing content
- Participate in mediation activities during exhibition events
- Contribute to the development of catalogues and educational resources
Categories
- Curatorial
- Architecture
- Exhibition Making
- Research
- Publication
- Art Writing
- Museum Education
- Visual Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Cultural Management
Eligibility
- Master’s level student (Bac+5 or higher) in Architecture, Art History, or related fields
- Strong interest in architectural history and Curatorial Practice
- Research experience in archives and libraries
- Knowledge of 18th–20th century architectural history
- Ability to manage deadlines and structured project workflows
- Strong written and analytical skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in exhibition production or curatorial work
- Familiarity with Exhibition Making and cultural mediation
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
- Interest in scenography and exhibition design
- Knowledge of additional languages
Program Benefits
- Hands-on experience in a major institutional exhibition project in Paris
- Direct involvement in Curatorial Practice and exhibition development
- Exposure to archival research and architectural heritage collections
- Participation in catalogue production and public programming
- Professional experience within a leading European architecture school
- Collaboration with museums and fine arts institutions
- Integration into a real curatorial workflow from research to exhibition display
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV (academic background and experience)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (if requested)
- Portfolio or writing samples (recommended for curatorial candidates)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Rolling / until position is filled
- Start Date: October 2026
- End Date: March 2027
- Duration: 6-month internship
- Selection Period: Prior to contract start
Location
Paris, France
Additional Details
This internship supports a major interdisciplinary exhibition project curated jointly by ENSA Paris-Malaquais and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. The exhibition focuses on architectural drawings from the 18th century to the 1960s, exploring the theme of water.
The Assistant Curator will work closely with the curatorial team led by Bérénice Gaussuin and contribute to both academic research and public exhibition production. The project also includes the development of a scientific and educational program spanning the 2026–2027 academic year.