The curatorial department at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, DC seeks an intern with a demonstrated interest in decorative arts, museum curatorial practices, exhibition development, art, history and cultural preservation. The intern will collaborate with the Assistant Curator of European Decorative Arts, the Deputy Director & Chief Curator, and other members of the curatorial team on various research projects related to upcoming exhibitions, as well as provenance and collection research. The intern will gain experience in navigating the museum database, object-based research and study, and exhibition development. This internship is on-site with the possibly of occasional remote work. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Object-based research and cataloguing objects for upcoming exhibitions and publications.
• Experience conducting research using the Hillwood curatorial files, as well as Hillwood’s Archives and Special Collections.

Minimum Qualifications:

This compensatory internship is appropriate for a post-graduate and graduate student, with prior museum experience, from the following majors: material culture, museum studies, or art history. Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree before the start of the internship. Preference will be given to candidates currently in an academic program who have completed courses in decorative arts. 

Schedule:
This internship offers flexibility to work around school schedules. Work will be completed primarily on our campus in Northwest D.C., Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Curatorial Intern will be expected to commit to 16-24 hours per week. The internship runs from September to December 2024, with flexibility for start and end dates.

About Us:

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is deeply committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace where all voices are heard and where staff and visitors of all backgrounds can be inspired by the life of our founder Marjorie Merriweather Post. 

We Offer:

• A fabulous work culture that inspires your best work
• Mental wellness support
• Discounts in the shop and Merriweather Café 
• Free admission to the museum and festival days
• Casual Monday
• Free onsite parking

To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to with “Curatorial Intern” in the subject link to  internships@hillwoodmuseum.org. All applications must be received by August 19, 2024.

This internship is compensated at $20.14/hr