About the role#
The Phillips Collection offers an internship for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in museum operations. You will work under the mentorship of the Curator of Modern Art. This position is paid and runs from January 25, 2027, to May 7, 2027.
What you'll do#
- Support daily curatorial and museum administration tasks.
- Help plan and research special exhibitions and installations.
- Assist with publication planning, including proofreading, compiling materials, and requesting rights or images.
- Gather primary and secondary research at local archives and libraries.
- Manage data entry and organize physical and digital research files.
- Prepare PowerPoints and collect digital images.
- Draft correspondence and take notes during meetings.
- Scan and print research documents and assemble bibliographies.
What you'll need#
- Current status as a junior or senior undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate.
- A background in art history or museum studies.
- Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Detail-oriented approach and the ability to work both independently and with a team.
- Knowledge of European 19th and 20th century art and French language skills are preferred.
- Prior experience in an art museum is helpful but not required.
Location & details#
- This is a hybrid role based in Washington, DC.
- You are expected to be onsite at least two days per week.
- The schedule is 12 to 20 hours per week.
- Academic credit may be available depending on your university requirements.
About The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. Founded in 1921 as the first museum of modern art in the United States, it operates as a private nonprofit institution. The museum houses a permanent collection of impressionist and modern works alongside contemporary pieces. It maintains a staff of nearly 200 employees and manages educational outreach programs for students and teachers.
How to get in at The Phillips Collection
Securing an internship at The Phillips Collection requires staying ahead of the applicant pool. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, which helps you apply early before the volume of candidates grows too large. Applying early often ensures your materials are seen while the recruiter is still building their shortlist. You can use Intern Insider to identify the specific recruiters managing roles at The Phillips Collection. Reaching out to them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral often improves your response rate compared to waiting in the general queue.
