Graduate Conservation Summer Intern

Graduate Conservation Summer Internship

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 eight-week graduate conservation summer internship, starting June 15, 2026 and ending August 14, 2026. The internship is for students who have successfully completed one to two years of graduate studies in art conservation. 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; Scientific Research). Assigned projects are based on the care, preservation, exhibition, research and conservation needs of the Art Museum collections, structured for completion within the eight-week internship, and developed with respect for the career development of the individual. The summer intern may carry out examination, technical study, documentation, and treatment of works of art, or participate in preventive care of the permanent collection.

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 workspaces, supplies, and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• Current enrollment in graduate studies (Master of Arts; Master of Science) in a recognized Art Conservation training program.
• Successful completion of one or two years of graduate studies in art conservation
• 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.

Position and Compensation Details

• The stipend for this position is $4000.
• This position is 35 hours per week.
• This position reports to the senior conservator in area of specialization.
• The stipend is for an eight-week period (June 15, 2026 to August 14, 2026).
• 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.

Institutional Requirements

• 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.

Application Timeline

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 and 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

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.