Organizer Information
The Whitney Museum Internship Program is offered by the Whitney Museum of American Art, located in New York City, one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to modern and contemporary art from the United States. Founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the museum is renowned for its sustained commitment to living artists and its extensive permanent collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art. The Whitney is particularly known for the Whitney Biennial, a flagship exhibition that surveys emerging trends and critical developments in contemporary American art. As a vital cultural hub, the museum supports a wide range of educational initiatives, scholarly research, and public exhibitions, engaging diverse audiences with the breadth and depth of American creative expression.
Title & Description
Whitney Museum of American Art Internship Program
The Whitney’s Internship Program offers a professional immersion into the daily operations of a world-class art museum. The program is designed to provide aspiring professionals with hands-on experience, direct work experience, and exposure to the strategic goals of a major cultural institution. Interns are placed within specific museum departments where they assist staff, conduct research, and participate in a robust professional development curriculum. A highlight of the program is the weekly speaker series, which features curators, educators, and administrative leaders who share insights into museum careers and the inner workings of the Whitney.
Categories
Internships are available across a vast spectrum of museum disciplines, including:
- Curatorial & Research: Archives, Library, Curatorial departments (Prewar or Contemporary).
- Education & Public Programs: Access Programs, Family Programs, School Programs.
- Creative & Digital: Graphic Design, Exhibition Design, Digital Content, Technology.
- Administration & Communications: Marketing, Communications, Advancement (Fundraising), Total Rewards (Human Resources).
- Operations: Collections Management, Conservation, Registrar’s Office.
Eligibility
The program primarily seeks undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in accredited academic programs.
- Summer Program: Geared toward rising and graduating seniors who will have completed at least three years of academic coursework prior to the start date.
- Academic Year Program: Open to undergraduates (excluding freshmen) and graduate students. Applicants must have completed at least one to two years of coursework, depending on the specific internship cycle.
- International Applicants: International students are eligible to apply but must be able to commute to New York City to perform hybrid duties and must possess legal authorization to work/intern in the U.S.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Financial Stipend: Summer interns receive a $6,500 stipend for full participation (nine weeks). Academic Year interns receive a $3,000 stipend (200-hour requirement).
- Professional Development: Weekly speaker series with museum professionals, curator-led tours, and excursions to peer institutions.
- Museum Perks: Free admission to most New York City museums, discounts at the Whitney’s restaurants and retail stores, and invitations to exhibition openings.
- Academic Credit: Interns are eligible to receive course credit through their respective universities.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Resume/CV: Standard professional background.
- Essay: A brief discussion (typically 500–1,500 words) on your interest in the museum, your background, and what you hope to gain.
- Letters of Recommendation: One to two references (educational or professional).
- Portfolio: Mandatory for candidates applying to Graphic Design or Exhibition Design roles.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Summer 2026 Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Summer Program Dates: June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Location
The internship takes place at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City, USA. The format is currently hybrid, requiring interns to be on-site at least three days per week.
Additional Details
Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet 100% of the qualifications, as Whitney is dedicated to considering a broad array of backgrounds. Former Whitney interns are generally not eligible to reapply for the same program type.