Organizer Information
The opportunity is offered by the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, one of Germany’s major art museums, known for its high-quality historical collection, research activities, and public programming. Founded as a state institution and operating under the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, the museum combines art-historical scholarship with contemporary museum practice.
Currently undergoing a major transformation process due to renovation and expansion of its main building, the institution is temporarily operating across multiple venues, including the ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe and the Orangery in Karlsruhe. This transitional phase includes a strong emphasis on digital innovation, research-driven programming, and expanded public engagement. The museum also maintains an international and interdisciplinary working environment, reflecting a diverse team of professionals from different cultural backgrounds.
Within this context, the institution is preparing a major exhibition dedicated to Albrecht Dürer, scheduled for 2028, which forms the central framework for the announced traineeship.
Title & Description
Scientific Traineeship (m/f/d) – Kupferstichkabinett Department, Albrecht Dürer Exhibition 2028
This opportunity is a Professional Training / Internship within the Kupferstichkabinett (Department of Prints and Drawings) at the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe. The selected trainee will participate in a two-year structured program designed to provide comprehensive insight into museum practice, curatorial work, and scientific collection management.
A key focus of the traineeship is participation in the preparation and realization of a major special exhibition dedicated to Albrecht Dürer, planned for 2028 at the ZKM exhibition spaces. The trainee will be directly involved in both conceptual and practical processes related to exhibition-making in a leading European museum context.
Core learning and working areas include:
- Development of exhibition concepts and thematic structures
- Contribution to exhibition catalogue research and production
- Participation in exhibition design, scenography, and installation processes
- Development of audio guides and interpretive materials
- Support in public programming, including lectures, guided tours, and events
- Insight into museum administration and internal organizational processes
- Engagement with communication strategies and cultural mediation
The program emphasizes professional development in art historical research, institutional practice, and collaborative curatorial production within a museum environment.
Categories
- Art History
- Curatorial Practice
- Research
- Visual Arts
- Museology / Museum Studies
- Art Writing
- Cultural Heritage
- Exhibition Design
Eligibility
- Hold a university degree in Art History (Master’s degree preferred)
- Have strong knowledge of art history around 1500, especially Northern Alpine art
- Demonstrate experience in scientific research and database use
- Have excellent German language skills
- Ideally, possess good English and/or French skills
- Be able to work independently and with high precision
- Be motivated to work in a collaborative scientific environment
The position is open to applicants of all backgrounds, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Two-year structured professional traineeship
- Monthly remuneration aligned with TV-L E13 (50%), increasing in the second year
- Full-time position (39.5 hours/week)
- Access to museum training, mentoring, and professional development
- Participation in internal and external training programs
- Flexible working hours and partial mobile working options
- 30 days of annual leave
- Annual special allowance
- Subsidised public transport ticket (job ticket)
- Workplace in a major international museum environment
- Direct involvement in a high-profile exhibition project (Albrecht Dürer 2028)
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV
- Academic certificates (Art History degree, Master’s preferred)
- Motivation letter
- Relevant references or supporting documents (if available)
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent by email or post to the museum administration: personal@kunsthalle-karlsruhe.de
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 29 May 2026
- Start Date: Not specified (traineeship duration: 2 years)
- Program Duration: 24 months
- Major Exhibition Reference: Albrecht Dürer exhibition planned for 2028
- Selection Process: Not specified
Location
Karlsruhe, Germany
Additional Details
The traineeship is part of a broader institutional transformation process, during which the museum operates across multiple venues. The program is designed to integrate emerging professionals into real curatorial and scientific workflows within a major museum undergoing structural change.
The institution strongly encourages applications from diverse cultural backgrounds and emphasizes equality of opportunity regardless of gender, nationality, age, disability, or identity. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with disabilities will be given preference.
This is a highly structured entry-level professional role in museum research and curatorial practice, with a strong focus on academic rigor and practical exhibition development.