The Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship offers undergraduate students a unique chance to gain hands-on experience at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. This program supports students with financial need who are interested in art history, research, and collections management. Applications open January 5, 2026, and the deadline to apply is March 6, 2026, at 5:00PM (EST). The internship runs for 10 weeks during the summer and provides a stipend of $8,000. If you are an art history major or related discipline, this is a valuable opportunity to advance your career and academic goals at one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.
Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 (5:00PM EST)
Eligible Countries: United States citizens and permanent residents
Internship Location: Washington, DC, USA
Duration: 10 weeks (June 1, 2026 – August 7, 2026), 40 hours per week
Compensation: Stipend ($8,000)
Host Organization: Smithsonian Institution
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About the Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship
This need-based program, funded by the Katzenberger Foundation, supports undergraduate students to participate in research and collections projects related to art history. Interns work at Smithsonian art museums and archives. The program aims to provide high-achieving students with financial challenges the chance to engage in significant internship experiences and further their academic and career interests in art history.
Responsibilities
- Participate in research and collections projects related to art history.
- Engage with museum, gallery, library, or archive staff.
- Contribute to collections management, cultural heritage research, and related activities.
- Assist with public affairs and social media as needed.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required.
- Must be formally enrolled in an undergraduate program as a junior or senior, or have completed a degree within the past six months (rising juniors eligible).
- Declared major, concentration, or related discipline in art history.
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
- Must qualify for financial need and be eligible for federal student aid (e.g., Pell Grant, Stafford Loan).
- Financial aid certification required only if selected for the internship.
Skills Preferred: Substantial coursework in art history or related museum disciplines; demonstrated research and writing skills; attention to detail; knowledge of computer programs; experience or interest in museums, galleries, libraries, or archives.
How to Apply for Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship
- Register and apply online through the SOLAA System at https://solaa.si.edu.
- Select “Internship,” then “Office of Academic Appointments and Internships,” and choose “Smithsonian Katzenberger Art History Internship Program.”
- Prepare and upload the following documents:
- Essay addressing your academic history, goals for the internship, and interest in the Smithsonian.
- Transcripts (unofficial accepted; translations required if not in English).
- Resume or CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Names and email addresses of two academic references (references submit letters directly through SOLAA).
- If selected, submit a financial aid certification form before final acceptance.
For more information, contact InternsAndFellows@si.edu.
👉 Visit the official internship page for details
