Paid Exhibition Design Internship: 2D/3D Drafting

Whitney Museum of American Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The Whitney Museum of American Art offers an Academic Year Internship program—a semester-long paid internship for rising Juniors and above, including Graduate students, enrolled in an accredited program. The internship is in person and onsite.

For spring 2027, interns commit between 16–21 hours per week over 10–12 weeks for a total of 176 hours. The official program dates will span from January 18-April 26, 2027.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in architecture, exhibition design, or set design program.
• 2D and 3D drafting skills are required.
• Ability to build study/finish models and architectural drawings.
• Strong abstract and creative thinking with attention to detail.
• Good communication skills; ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Portfolio as PDF, resume, and essay are required when applying.
• Undergraduates and graduates in accredited year programs are eligible.
• Interest in art/history preferred; artists from all majors may apply.
• Previous museum experience is not required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in departmental design charrettes and meetings with curators to review concepts and layouts.
• Assist in making art layouts, scaled maquettes, study models, and presentation materials.
• Observe and assist on the floor during construction and installation when possible.
• Work with designers and curators to develop exhibition narratives.
• Learn tools to communicate spatial and conceptual ideas to curators and the institution.
• Develop scaled models and architectural drawings under supervision.
• Support cross-department collaboration on exhibition projects.

Skills

Major in architecture/design

2D/3D drafting

Model making

Abstract thinking

Detail orientation

Strong communication

FAST-paced multitask

Portfolio PDF required

Academic-year enrollment

Open to all majors

No museum experience required

Education

Enrollment in accredited program

Job description

The Whitney Museum of American Art offers an Academic Year Internship program—a semester-long paid internship for rising Juniors and above, including Graduate students, enrolled in an accredited program. The internship is in person and onsite.

For spring 2027, interns commit between 16–21 hours per week over 10–12 weeks for a total of 176 hours. The official program dates will span from January 18-April 26, 2027.