Graduate Conservation Intern
Philadelphia, PA
Internship
Student (College)
We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace
At the Philadelphia Art Museum, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
How You Will Contribute
The Philadelphia Art Museum is welcoming applications for an eleven-month Graduate Conservation Internship, beginning September 14, 2026 and ending August 13, 2027. The internship is for students who have successfully completed two to three years of graduate studies in art conservation, as well as two graduate summer internships. The internship provides practical work experience to develop and augment knowledge and skills through the mentorship and experience of committed museum conservators and through the exceptional collections of the Philadelphia Art Museum. The intern is placed within the department in their area of specialization (Objects; Furniture and Woodwork; Costume and Textiles; Paper; Paintings). Most of the intern’s time is devoted to examination, technical study, documentation, and treatment of works of art, often related to installations, exhibitions, and loans. The intern will participate in preventive care of the permanent collection including integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, and storage and rehousing.
Specifically, you will:
The deadline to apply is February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please include the following with your application:
• Cover letter/Statement of interest indication area of specialization
• Resume
What We Offer
Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
At the Philadelphia Art Museum, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
How You Will Contribute
The Philadelphia Art Museum is welcoming applications for an eleven-month Graduate Conservation Internship, beginning September 14, 2026 and ending August 13, 2027. The internship is for students who have successfully completed two to three years of graduate studies in art conservation, as well as two graduate summer internships. The internship provides practical work experience to develop and augment knowledge and skills through the mentorship and experience of committed museum conservators and through the exceptional collections of the Philadelphia Art Museum. The intern is placed within the department in their area of specialization (Objects; Furniture and Woodwork; Costume and Textiles; Paper; Paintings). Most of the intern’s time is devoted to examination, technical study, documentation, and treatment of works of art, often related to installations, exhibitions, and loans. The intern will participate in preventive care of the permanent collection including integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, and storage and rehousing.
Specifically, you will:
- Examine, document, conduct research, and perform treatment in area of specialization and as directed by supervising conservator
- Carry out research on materials, treatments, history, and cultural context for artworks in the museum collections.
- Participate in ongoing preservation activities to support preventive care for works of art on display and in storage.
- Support lab functioning and maintenance, including routine maintenance of work spaces, supplies, and equipment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Current enrollment in graduate studies (Master of Arts; Master of Science) in a recognized Art Conservation training program.
- Successful completion of two or three years of graduate studies and completion of two summer internships during graduate studies.
- Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitude.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English language skills (written and spoken)
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- The stipend for this position is $8500.
- This position is 35 hours per week.
- This position reports to the senior conservator in their area of specialization.
- The stipend is for an 11-month period (September 15, 2026 to August 15, 2027).
- Physical requirements:
- Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
- Able to regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other office equipment used to generate documents/transmit data.
- Able to work routinely on ladders or lifts with appropriate training
- Able to move up to 20 pounds.
- Background check required. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
- Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
- Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
- Maintains confidentiality.
- Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.
The deadline to apply is February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please include the following with your application:
• Cover letter/Statement of interest indication area of specialization
• Resume
What We Offer
Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
- Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
- Discounted guest tickets for admission
- Discounts on gift memberships
- Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
- Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores
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