INTRODUCTION

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, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Learning Center is a platform for culturally responsive experiences that bring young people and the adults around them into dynamic and inspiring encounters with art. We celebrate curiosity and creativity, with the conviction that meaningful experiences with art and with the museum enrich people’s lives, connect people to one another, and build confidence and the capacity to imagine, create, and make sense of the world.

With an enduring commitment to equitable access, the Ryan Learning Center team engages children, teens, families, students, and educators through a wide array of programs, partnerships, and resources. These include guided gallery experiences, studio workshops, youth leadership opportunities, festivals and events, neighborhood-based engagements, and professional learning experiences. We serve all museum audiences through our free and accessible public learning space, the Ryan Learning Center. Through these experiences, learners can confidently engage with the museum as a resource, be critical thinkers and imaginative creators, and animate the museum as a place of insight, expression, and community.

By focusing on Chicago learners and centering civic partnerships in our work, the Ryan Learning Center activates and amplifies the museum’s civic role and strategic priorities to serve Chicago audiences; expand our presence within neighborhoods; and cultivate a visitorship that reflects our city.

ABOUT THE RYAN LEARNING CENTER INTERNSHIP

Duration of Program: 8 weeks / June 15, 2026 through August 7 2026

Compensation: Paid / $17.50/hr / Full-time / Temporary

Additional housing and transportation stipends will be awarded to all participating interns. Further details will be included in internship offers.

Schedule: This is a full-time, 8-week position. The intern will work 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday, based on the tour schedules.

Format: The internship will be primarily onsite, with limited remote hours. Internet access and appropriate technology will be necessary to complete this internship, but technological accommodations can be provided by the Art Institute of Chicago based on necessity.

Number of openings: 8

Internship Description:

The Ryan Learning Center department (RLC) invites students to apply for an immersive eight-week internship in museum education. Working closely with staff mentors and their cohort, interns will learn about RLC pedagogy, teaching methods, and educational resources. Following a 2-week training, interns will design and facilitate summer tours and art experiences for audiences of all ages. Primary internship projects will include:

• designing and leading interactive gallery tours for family, community, and adult audiences
• facilitating art-making with visitors in the museum’s Ryan Learning Center
• researching and writing lesson plans for artworks in our collection
• attending weekly museum career programs

Internship Outcomes

Ryan Learning Center Summer interns will:

• Gain practical experience in the field of museum education with a focus on youth-centered, inquiry-based, interactive learning.
• Cultivate a teaching practice that reflects their unique perspective and identity.
• Gain behind-the-scenes insights into the operations of a large museum and develop an understanding of the museum's role as civic partner.
• Build a supportive and lasting network of peers and mentors
• Collaborate with staff mentors to create individualized goals unique to each intern’s career aspirations and personal growth.

Goals of the McMullan Arts Leadership Internship Program

The Ryan Learning Center Internship is funded through a generous donation from the James and Madeleine McMullan Family Foundation. This McMullan Arts Leadership internship is part of a museum-wide effort to provide students the opportunity to gain experience, career awareness, networks, and skills that will position them to thrive as future art museum leaders.

The primary objective of this internship is to support students who will encounter economic challenges if considering a career in the arts. Aligned with this goal, we aim to shape a diverse group of leaders whose actions are informed by a wide range of perspectives, varying career paths, and values inspired by their own lived experiences.

Required Qualifications and Desired Skills:

Qualified applicants will be rising senior undergraduates, graduating seniors, or Master’s Degree students in any year (undergraduate applicants must have completed their junior year by May 2026 and will not have graduated before December 2025; graduate applicants will not have graduated before December 2025). In addition to these requirements, applicants should possess:

• Interest in the arts and/or museums, demonstrated through academic study, work experience, or by other means
• Experience teaching, assisting teaching, tutoring, or mentoring in informal or formal education settings (in-person or virtual) such as a school, camp, college, after-school program, community center, or museum
• Strong communication, creative thinking, and research skills
• Strong preference will be given to candidates who speak Spanish fluently

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Daily standing or active movement for periods of 2-3 hours

• With training and under the supervision of staff, operates cutting equipment such as paper cutting guillotines, Xacto knives, and scissors

• Occasionally lifts and moves packages of up to 25 pounds

• Operates computers, printers, and other standard office equipment

HOW TO APPLY

Visit https://www.artic.edu/careers/internships

> Click currently available internships

IMPORTANT! As a part of your application, please complete and submit this Google Form.

The application will close on February 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM CDT. Selected applicants will be asked to interview, either in-person if conditions allow (for local candidates) or via video conference (non-local candidates. Applicants must be US citizens or approved for employment in the United States.

CLOSING STATEMENT

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.