Collections Intern

To be considered, please apply at https://honolulumuseum.org/opportunities-m1xn

A Cover Letter is required for this application. 

Job Summary:
Under the general direction of the Assistant Registrar, the Collections Intern will assist HoMA's Collections Department in its routine daily tasks as well as long-term projects such as inventorying objects in storage and reorganizing object files. Training in the fundamentals of object handling and museum record keeping will be the priority of this internship, with opportunities for interns to also assist with exhibitions and collection rotations. This internship will provide hands-on experience and exposure to the broad variety of tasks a museum Collections Department is responsible for, and provides the opportunity to hone administrative skills, manual dexterity, and attention to close visual detail.

This is a 9-week position from September 16th to November 13th, 2026.

The Honolulu Museum of Art:
Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.
 

To learn more about HoMA, please visit our website https://honolulumuseum.org/about-us-zpj4

Desired Qualifications:

• Current enrollment or recent completion of a degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Library/Information Science or similar undergraduate or graduate program.
• Willingness and desire to learn.
• Must demonstrate advanced knowledge of filing systems.
• Ability to look closely and focus on a single object for extended periods of time.
• Excellent organizational skills and flexibility.
• Possess the integrity to handle sensitive data with confidentiality.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and participate with a diverse team.
• Self-starter who is committed to HoMA’s mission.
• Must be diplomatic, analytical and tech savvy.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• The traits of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective; a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through.

Essential Duties:

• Assists with collections projects by assessing object files and object storage.
• Assists with the reproduction and digitization of object files.
• Under the supervision of Collections staff, handles objects in the permanent collection.
• Fall Internship will be working with Ceramics
• Performs data entry and updates the database as necessary.
• Other internship-relevant duties as requested.

Project Overview
The Collections Internship Program aims to provide interns with fundamental awareness and/or competence in the 5 key components of the collection department. To complete the program, an additional component for the intern is the creation and presentation of a 3–5-minute slideshow. Additional learning opportunities will also be provided based on the collections department schedule. Please see the components as follows:

Registrar Component (Main Focus/ 8 weeks):
The intern's main component will primarily focus on deskwork and support additional tasks as needed. The intern will help in removing, updating, and sorting files into object records or exhibition records. With attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Please note that the focus can slightly change due to the intern's personal interest.
Head of Collections Component (1 day):
This component aims to provide interns with an in-person experience of leadership roles within museum collections management and offers a firsthand perspective on departmental operations and decision-making processes.
Collection Manager Component (2-4 Days):
Interns will receive training in handling various types of objects within the museum, gaining practical experience in collections management. While also gaining practical experience in collections management.
Exhibitions Manager Component (Half Day):
The intern will gain valuable insight into basic exhibition planning and layout design, as well as an understanding of how the museum’s Exhibitions Manager coordinates exhibition schedules and collaborates with other departments. The internship will also learn about essential professional skills, including teamwork, time management, and presentation skills.
Collection Technician Component (Half Day):
Interns will learn about the daily maintenance and care of spaces containing artwork, understanding the importance of preserving and protecting museum collections.
Installation Component (3-5 days):
Interns will participate in gallery installation and preparation activities, gaining exposure to exhibition practices and standards. The intern will gain practical experience in art handling and professional experience art preparation.

Learning Outcomes:

•  Intern will gain a basic understanding of collections and broader museum administrative best practices.
• Intern will learn about proper object handling, transportation, and storage.
• Intern will learn about different collection storage areas.
• Intern will strengthen record keeping and digitization skills.
• Intern will learn how to navigate a museum collection database.
• Intern will develop resources for future study or work in these areas.
   

Ipu Kāʻeo Internship Program – Required Attendance
Interns must be available for the following days in participation for the Fall 2026 cohort:

• HoMA Orientation Week – September 16th to September 18th
• Internship Presentation Showcase Practice –Friday, October 23rd
• Internship Presentation Showcase – Wednesday, November 4th
• Celebration Lunch & Exit Interview – Friday, November 13th

Compensation

The Honolulu Museum of Art is committed to practicing salary transparency. The salary for this position is $20.00 per hour with a minimum of 10 hours per week, and a maximum of 19 hours per week.

This opportunity includes a benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Shop, Museum Café, and Art School discounts.
• Onsite parking provided.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:

Works in an office, gallery, and museum vault storage environment. Variable working hours up to 19 hours per week. The Collections Intern position requires availability for two full workdays (Monday and Tuesday) and one flexible half day each week. Additional times and events to be discussed upon entry. Ability to operate general office equipment including computer, copier, printers, fax machine, etc. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 40 lbs.

The employee must be able to fulfil all Essential Duties with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEOC Statement:

HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record (except as legally applicable), citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is prohibited.

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

A Cover Letter is required for this application. 

To be considered, please apply at https://honolulumuseum.org/opportunities-m1xn