Provenance Research Graduate Intern - Fall 2026 - Spring 2027
Boston, Massachusetts, United States · On-site
$19/hr
Entry level
*This is a two-semester-long internship. The study of provenance is a traditional part of art historical research, as an object’s chain of ownership can inform a scholarly understanding of the work of art itself: i…
Skills: Provenance Research, Art Historical Research, Collections Management Software, German Language, French Language
Medieval Textiles Curatorial Research Graduate Intern
Boston, Massachusetts, United States · On-site
$19/hr
Entry level
The David and Roberta Logie Department of Fashion, Textiles, and Jewelry (FTJ), a foundational collection at the MFA and one of the first of its kind in the country, houses a global collection of 55,000 artworks includin…
Skills: Original Research, Writing, Object-Focused Study, Collections Management, Art History Research
Overview: Under the direction of the Director of Public Programs, the Senior Programmer of Film provides the artistic leadership for the Museum's renowned film program, developing an ambitious year-round slate of screeni…
Position Overview: Under the direction of the Manager of Community Arts, the CAI Liaison serves as the primary educator and contact for one of twelve CAI partner organizations. Duties center on community building and art…
Skills: Art Programming, Community Building, Youth Education, Curriculum Development, Interpersonal Skills
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston seeks applicants for the Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship for Advanced Training in Furniture and Frame Conservation. This one-year appointment begins in the fall of 2026. The Furniture and Fram…
Skills: Furniture Conservation, Frame Conservation, Preventative Care, Documentation, Technical Examination
Chinese Paintings Conservation Graduate Intern (Spr -Summer '27)
Boston, Massachusetts, United States · On-site
$19/hr
Entry level
The department of Conservation and Scientific Research is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term pre…
Skills: Art Conservation, Chinese Painting Conservation, Documentation, Examination, Treatment Execution
Overview The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is seeking Security Officers to join their team to assist in protecting the Museum’s collections and creating an inclusive visitor experience where all visitors are welcome…
Skills: Customer Service, Patrolling, Crowd Control, Verbal Communication, Written Communication
Temporary Research Assistant, Dutch and Flemish Paintings
Boston, Massachusetts, United States · On-site
Mid level
The Research Assistant for Dutch and Flemish Paintings is a 6-month temporary position (18-21 hours per week) that plays a critical role in researching opportunities to travel the museum’s Netherlandish paintings t…
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, seeks a part-time Curatorial Research Associate (CRA) to work under the direction of the William and Ann Elfers Curator of Paintings, Art of Europe, aiding with the research, administrati…
Skills: Curatorial Research, Exhibition Planning, French Language Proficiency, Art History Research, Project Administration
Reporting into the Beal Family Chair of Contemporary Art, the Department Coordinator provides essential administrative knowledge, planning, and implementation for the Department of Contemporary Art. About the Department:…
The Registrar’s Office within the Registration and Collections Management department reports to the Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation. Registrars work closely with Collections Management, Conservation, a…
Skills: Art History, Museum Studies, Data Entry, Documentation, Communication
Provenance Research Graduate Intern - Fall 2026 - Spring 2027
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
$19/hr
Temporary, Internship
bachelor degree, postgraduate degree
Transportation Subsidy
Posted 28d ago
~14 hrs/week
Responsibilities
The intern will research, format, and fact-check provenance information for European and American works of art within the museum's database and physical files. Additionally, they will compile data for incoming loans and deliver a final synoptic presentation on their internship experience.
Requirements
Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate or undergraduate program in Art History. Required qualifications include curatorial experience, proficiency in German and/or French, and the ability to work onsite for 14 hours per week.
Full job description
This is a two-semester-long internship.
The study of provenance is a traditional part of art historical research, as an object’s chain of ownership can inform a scholarly understanding of the work of art itself: its function, condition, and its place in the history of taste and collecting. The Museum believes that the interests of the public are served by collecting according to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice, in accordance with all applicable law, and in such a way that provides no direct and material incentive to looting or theft.
To that end, the Department of Provenance seeks a graduate research intern who desires a deeper familiarity with the history of ownership of works of art. Working under the Chair for Provenance, the research intern will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about museum work, provenance research, and digital resources. Interns will refine their research skills but are expected to be familiar with art historical research tools and methods before beginning. The successful candidate will be mature, detail-oriented, adept with technology and administrative tasks, and will have a demonstrated interest in art museum work.
This is a two-semester long position. Intern must be able to commit 14 hours per week (between Tuesday and Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), September 11, 2026, through May 14, 2027. Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 11, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them.
The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.95 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings.
As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.
Responsibilities:
Researching, formatting, and fact-checking provenance information for hard-copy files, the MFA collections database, and online records, focusing on European and American works of art.
Compiling and entering data related to the provenance of potential incoming loans.
Compiling and entering data related to previous owners of works of art.
Using digital resources to augment provenance records and hard-copy curatorial files.
Assisting with daily tasks as needed
Prepare and offer a 3–5-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course
Qualifications:
Enrollment in a graduate program (concurrent with the internship period), in art history or recent completion (within last six months) of a BA or MA program in art history.
Curatorial work experience in an art museum or gallery (paid or volunteer), with familiarity using collections management software and cataloguing practices.
Excellent organizational skills.
Strong reading knowledge of German and/or French.
Ability to read handwriting.
Demonstrated awareness of art historical research methods.
Ability to commit to a regular schedule of two seven-hour days per week.
Ability to work onsite 14 hours per week, within Tuesday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between Sept 11, 2026 – May 14, 2027.
Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 18, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them.
Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 11, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm.
How to Apply
DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents.
Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must includeall of the following:
the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
any periods when you are not available for an interview.
your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone
SAVE your document file as (LASTNAMEFIRSTNAMEPOSITIONTITLE_Fall2026)
Open to infinite possibilities inspired by art, together we’re creating a community where all belong. #mfaBoston
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Company size
501-1,000 employees
Founded
1876
Headquarters
Boston, MA
LinkedIn followers
72,314
The MFA is open. Open to new ideas that broaden our perspectives. Open to every visitor, from the curious to the lifelong learner. Open to new possibilities discovered through art.
Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells the story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. We welcome diverse perspectives, both within the artwork and among our visitors.
Where many worldviews meet, new ways of seeing, thinking, and understanding emerge. The conversations we inspire bring people together—revealing connections, exploring differences, and creating a community where all belong.
Open to infinite possibilities inspired by art, together we’re creating a community where all belong. #mfaBoston
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Company size
501-1,000 employees
Founded
1876
Headquarters
Boston, MA
LinkedIn followers
72,314
The MFA is open. Open to new ideas that broaden our perspectives. Open to every visitor, from the curious to the lifelong learner. Open to new possibilities discovered through art.
Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells the story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. We welcome diverse perspectives, both within the artwork and among our visitors.
Where many worldviews meet, new ways of seeing, thinking, and understanding emerge. The conversations we inspire bring people together—revealing connections, exploring differences, and creating a community where all belong.