Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum Internship 2026 in Washington, DC | Paid Museum & Archives Opportunity for International Students

The Smithsonian Institution’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden has officially opened applications for its highly sought-after Exhibition History Cataloging Internship 2026 in Washington, DC. This exciting paid internship offers undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on museum experience at one of the world’s leading modern and contemporary art museums.

Hosted by the Documentation and Archives Department within the Collection Care and Management division, the internship provides practical exposure to archival research, museum cataloging systems, collection management, and historical exhibition documentation. Participants will work directly with museum records and databases while developing professional research and archival skills in a globally respected institution.

Applications are open until July 24, 2026.

About the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum Internship 2026

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is internationally recognized for its significant collection of modern and contemporary art. Through this internship, selected candidates will contribute to the preservation and organization of historical exhibition records while learning museum documentation procedures used by professional archivists and collection managers.

The internship specifically focuses on exhibition history cataloging and database management using TMS (The Museum System), a professional museum collections database widely used across museums and cultural institutions.

This internship is ideal for students and emerging professionals interested in:

• Museum studies
• Art history
• Archives and records management
• Collection documentation
• Research and cataloging
• Cultural heritage preservation

Internship Responsibilities

Selected interns will support the Documentation and Archives Department with several important museum tasks, including:

1. Exhibition Record Cataloging

Interns will add historic exhibition records and exhibition checklists into the museum’s cataloging database system.

2. Database Documentation

Participants will learn how museums organize and maintain historical records using professional cataloging software and archival standards.

3. Research and Verification

Interns will review exhibition paper records, publications, and archival materials to ensure historical accuracy before entering data into the museum database.

4. Checklist Creation and Cross-Referencing

The internship includes training in:

• Checklist development
• Cross-reference techniques
• Metadata organization
• Historical documentation methods

5. Archival and Museum Practice Exposure

Interns will gain first-hand understanding of:

• Museum archival procedures
• Collection care operations
• Documentation standards
• Professional museum workflows

Internship Benefits

The Smithsonian Hirshhorn Internship offers several valuable academic and professional benefits for participants.

Financial Support

• Selected interns will receive a stipend of $3,200.

Professional Experience

Participants will gain hands-on experience working in a Smithsonian museum environment and build practical skills in:

• Museum cataloging
• Archival research
• Documentation systems
• Art history research
• Database management

Career Development

This internship can strengthen future applications for:

• Museum careers
• Graduate school programs
• Art history programs
• Archival studies
• Library and information science careers
• Cultural heritage institutions

Networking Opportunities

Interns will work closely with museum professionals and gain insight into the operations of one of the world’s most respected museum institutions.

Internship Duration and Schedule

• Internship Start Date: September 28, 2026
• Internship End Date: November 20, 2026
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Weekly Commitment: 16 hours per week
• Work Format: On-site
• Location: Washington, DC

Work schedules and internship hours will be arranged mutually between the selected intern and the internship supervisor before the program begins.

Who Can Apply?

The internship is open to:

• Currently enrolled undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Doctoral students
• Recent graduates who completed their degree within one year prior to the internship start date
• Students graduating during the internship period

International applicants are encouraged to apply, and there is no citizenship requirement.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated academic interest in museums, archives, or collection management
• Career goals aligned with museum and archival work
• Interest in art history research
• Attention to detail and research capability

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA):

1. Online application form
2. Two letters of reference
3. Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted)
4. Personal essay addressing:
   • Why you are interested in this internship
   • How the opportunity will advance your academic or professional goals

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: July 24, 2026
• Decision Notifications: August 3–7, 2026
• Internship Start Date: September 28, 2026
• Internship End Date: November 20, 2026

Why This Internship Matters

The Smithsonian Hirshhorn Internship is more than a short-term placement. It is an opportunity to gain practical museum experience within one of the world’s most respected cultural institutions.

For students interested in museum careers, archives, cultural preservation, or art history, this internship provides direct exposure to professional museum documentation practices while helping participants develop valuable research, cataloging, and archival skills.

Because the program welcomes international applicants and offers a stipend, it is also an excellent opportunity for students worldwide seeking international museum experience in the United States.

How to Apply for the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Internship 2026

To apply, candidates must complete their application through SOLAA.

Application Steps

1. Create an account or log in to SOLAA
2. Click the “Start Application” button
3. Search for the program
4. Select:
   “Hirshhorn Exhibition History Cataloging Internship”
5. Click “Apply Now”
6. Upload all required documents and submit the application before the deadline

Learn More & Apply

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum Internship 2026 in Washington, DC.

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