Provenance Research Graduate Intern – Fall 2026 through Spring 2027
Provenance
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.
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Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all 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 (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2026)
- Upload the single document as your resume via the application portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before Aug 15, 2026.
- Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.
- **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application.
**Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible and not considered.
