Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship at the Smithsonian: Paid Summer Opportunity for Art History Undergraduates (2026)

The Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship Program offers a prestigious, paid summer internship for undergraduate students pursuing art history and related disciplines. Hosted at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, this program supports hands-on research and collections work across the Smithsonian’s renowned art museums and archives.

Funded by the Katzenberger Foundation and administered by the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, this need-based program is designed to ensure that high-achieving students with financial need can access meaningful professional experience in the arts.

Program Overview

The internship runs for 10 weeks during the summer, requiring a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns are placed on-site in Washington, DC, where they contribute directly to research, collections management, and curatorial projects related to art history.

• Program Duration: 10 weeks (40 hours per week)

• Start Date: June 1, 2026

• End Date: August 7, 2026

• Stipend: $8,000 (paid)

• Location: Washington, DC

Academic Focus Areas

Internship functions may include, but are not limited to:

• Art and Art History Collections Management

• Costumes, Fashion, and Textiles

• Crafts and Cultural Heritage

• Research and Analysis

• Public Affairs and Social Media

This diversity allows interns to gain exposure to both traditional and contemporary museum practices.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Be formally enrolled as an undergraduate junior or senior (rising juniors are eligible), or have completed an undergraduate degree within the past six months

• Have a declared major, concentration, or strong academic focus in art history or a related discipline

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent

• Demonstrate financial need and be eligible for federal student aid

The program prioritizes students who may otherwise face financial barriers to participating in a full-time summer internship.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the Smithsonian Online Learning and Academic Appointments (SOLAA) system.

Steps to Apply:

1. Register or log in to SOLAA

2. Select “Internship”

3. Choose “Office of Academic Appointments and Internships”

4. Select “Smithsonian Katzenberger Art History Internship Program”

5. Apply for the 2026 internship cycle

Required Application Materials:

• Essay addressing academic background, internship goals, and interest in the Smithsonian

• Resume or CV (maximum of two pages)

• Unofficial transcripts from all relevant institutions (English translations required if applicable)

• Two academic references (submitted confidentially through SOLAA)

Selection Criteria

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Substantial coursework in art history or museum-related disciplines

• Experience or strong interest in museums, galleries, libraries, or archives

• Solid research, writing, and computer skills

• Clear alignment between the internship and long-term academic or career goals

Important Dates

• Application Opens: January 5, 2026

• Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM (EST)

Late applications will not be considered.

APPLY HERE

For more information about this opportunity, click here.

Contact Information

For additional questions, applicants may contact the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships at:
InternsAndFellows@si.edu

This internship represents an exceptional opportunity to gain professional experience at the Smithsonian Institution while receiving financial support and mentorship in the field of art history.

Dicover more intership opportunities here.