McMullan Arts Leadership Intern, Exhibition Design Art Institute of Chicago

Summary

The Art Institute of Chicago’s department of Exhibition Design is excited to offer a McMullan Arts Leadership intern position to work with them.

The McMullan Arts Leadership Intern in Exhibition Design will work directly with the exhibition design team as a contributing member on projects at various stages of development. The intern will gain exposure to the full scope of the exhibition design process, from concept to installation, and develop hands‑on skills through tasks such as drafting layouts, preparing models, and supporting design documentation.

The Exhibition Design department is responsible for all three-dimensional design for exhibitions across the museum. Our work brings together architecture, design, and storytelling to create meaningful experiences for visitors. The team includes designers with diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to collaboration, creativity, and cultural engagement.

The intern will join a museum‑wide intern cohort and have access to a range of programs to support their development in addition to their placement in Exhibition Design. Mentorship is provided throughout the experience, and connections with an intern alumni network will be established.

Duration of Position: 32 weeks / September 2026 (start date anytime during the week of September 21–25) through April 2027 (end date anytime during the week of April 26–April 30).

Compensation: $17.50/hour

Term: 32 weeks (September 2026 – April 2027)

Schedule: PT (max. 14 hours/week)

Format: The internship will be fully onsite. Due to onsite necessity, applicants based or attending school in the Chicagoland area during the internship timeframe will be prioritized. Internet access and appropriate technology will be necessary to complete this internship; technological accommodations will be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago based on necessity.

Deadline: 07/27/2026 (11:59 PM CDT)

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates (within one year of graduation) will also be considered;
• Applicants must be based in the Chicagoland area and/or attending school in the Chicagoland area over the course of the internship term;
• Academic background in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or a related field;
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, proactive mindset;
• Interest in the relationship between art, architecture, and design;
• Willingness to learn new software, including Vectorworks and Sketch Up, if not already familiar.
• Additional preferred qualifications:
  • Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, or Rhino;
  • Experience with model‑making, spatial design, or exhibition-related projects;
  • Demonstrated ability to think critically about design in cultural or institutional contexts.

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.