Curatorial, Graduate Intern, Full Time (9-month position): September-June

Norton Simon Museum; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend of $32,000 for the 9-month period

Gain valuable curatorial experience

Job summary

A prestigious art museum in Pasadena is seeking a full-time Graduate Intern for a 9-month position from September to June. This paid internship offers graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on curatorial experience by assisting curators with exhibitions, conducting research, contributing to collections management, and writing educational materials. Applicants should have strong research and writing skills, and proficiency in a second language is advantageous. The schedule includes 37.50 hours of onsite work per week, Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate student in a relevant field.
• Strong research and writing skills are required.
• Reading proficiency in a second language is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Assist curators and registrars with exhibition preparations.
• Conduct research on collections.
• Contribute to collections management and conservation projects.
• Contribute to digital projects.
• Write wall labels and didactic materials.
• Respond to public inquiries.

Skills

Strong research skills

Strong writing skills

Reading proficiency in a second language

Education

Graduate students in art, art history, museum studies, or cultural studies

Job description

Curatorial, Graduate Intern, Full Time (9-month position): September-June

Posted December 8, 2025

Type: Paid Internship

Department: Curatorial

Category: Art / Art History / Museum Studies / Cultural Studies

Stipend: $32,000 for the 9‑month period (37.50 hours a week)

Deadline: Applications must be received by January 30, 2026; decisions will be made by March 31, 2026

Open to: Graduate students in art, art history, museum studies and cultural studies

The Norton Simon Museum offers graduate students the opportunity to work with curators and collections staff on a range of exhibition, research and object‑oriented projects. This nine‑month paid internship is centered on the Museum’s outstanding art collections and presents a valuable opportunity to gain curatorial experience. The internship takes place onsite at the Norton Simon Museum.

Responsibilities

• Assisting curators and registrars with preparations for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays
• Conducting research on the collections
• Contributing to collections management and conservation projects
• Contributing to digital projects
• Writing wall labels, newsletter articles and other didactic materials
• Responding to public inquiries

Strong research and writing skills are required; reading proficiency in a second language is helpful.

Physical Requirements

This position may require moderate lifting, stretching, reaching, and bending. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

Schedule

Position is scheduled to work 37.50 hours per week onsite, between Monday‑Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Norton Simon Entities* provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Norton Simon Entities do not unlawfully discriminate or tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision‑making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, age (forty years of age and over), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. The Norton Simon Entities make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees and for religious observances and practices. This policy applies to all areas of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, termination, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and social and recreational programs.

The Norton Simon Entities are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

*The Norton Simon Entities are composed of the following: Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena and the Norton Simon Art Foundation. Employment may be with either, or both, of these entities.

Interested applicants should send cover letter, CV, one writing sample and completed Internship Application to [e-mail].

All applicants will be notified by March 31, 2026. No phone calls please.

Employment is contingent upon proof of legal status to work in the United States.