Work at Mingei International Museum as a Curatorial Intern. | Mingei International Museum

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Curatorial Intern

WHO WE ARE:

Founded in 1978, Mingei International Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits “art of the world, art of the people,” including folk art, craft, and design from all eras and cultures. Located in San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park, our highly respected Museum offers stunning exhibitions and diverse educational programs to more than 200,000 visitors each year. The Museum is a nonprofit organization.

Mingei has a deep commitment to creating a space where people are inspired to see their own world through new eyes and, in turn, rediscover, embrace, and nurture their own creativity. The recently transformed Museum is a place where all are welcome, where the community can gather, and where individuals can rest and find creative inspiration.

POSITION SUMMARY: 
The Curatorial Intern will assist the curatorial team at Mingei in research and development of exhibitions, including collection object research, exhibition research, developing checklists, and writing and editing. Projects may include forthcoming exhibitions, permanent collection research, and assisting with events hosted by the curatorial department.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

The internship provides an opportunity to see how the curatorial department functions and how exhibitions are developed from start to finish. They will learn how to handle objects, conduct curatorial research, develop exhibition ideas, and create exhibition didactics. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

  • Actively enrolled in a Junior College or four-year university
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to research independently and strategically, and identify trusted and diverse sources.
  • General knowledge or interest in curatorial practices or related museum work. 
  • Interest in Mingei International Museum and the Collection of Folk Art, Craft, and Design.
  • Great attention to detail.
  • Competency with technology such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.
  • Ability to plan, problem-solve, and work independently and collaboratively.

TERMS AND COMPENSATION

  • This is an unpaid internship. Interns should receive course credit AND/OR
  • Compensation through enrollment in paid internship programs provided through their school.

Hours:
15-20hrs/week; up to 200hrs total

Museum Hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Application deadline: April 26, 2026

To apply, please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your interest in the internship, a writing sample, and two letters of reference.