Exhibition Design Intern

Job Description:

Position Title: 2026 Exhibition Design Intern: Summer (Housing Not Provided)

Position Type: Part Time/Full Time

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Art Management

Reports to: Head of Exhibition Design

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

The intern selected for the Exhibitions Design position will need to have an open and inquisitive mind that is not afraid to explore and approach tasks with wonder. Under the guidance and direction of the Head of Exhibition Design, the intern will learn, assist, and observe how design work at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary is inspiring, surprising and meets the needs of every project.  Interns will collaboratively engage with a variety of stakeholders in the design process and explore and implement a variety of methods for design ideation with the aim of engaging colleagues and guests.

Application Materials: Interns that do not submit a resume AND cover letter will not be considered for this opportunity.  Please answer the following questions in your cover letter when submitting your application. 

What does “designing for wonder” mean to you, and how would you bring that perspective into an exhibition space? If you could design a space that tells a story without words, what story would it tell and why? Art and design can influence how people feel and interact. What responsibility do designers have in shaping those experiences? What does collaboration mean to you in a creative context, and how do you balance your vision with others’ ideas?

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Exhibitions Design intern will learn, apply and/or assist in

Exhibition planning, production, and implementation Coordination and planning for the implementation of space construction, media and tech installation, casework and furniture fabrication, and art installation Gain knowledge of assessing of structural integrity and construction methods Principles techniques and best practices of exhibition design, lighting and/or theatrical set design Create and present design presentations Learn principles and benefits of universal design, Smithsonian guidelines for accessible exhibition design and ADA standards for accessible design Learn basic curatorial and exhibition design processes and practices

Qualifications:

• Applicants pursuing a degree in Architecture Design, Environmental Design, Fine Arts, Sustainable Design, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Interior Architecture or similar programs are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Undergraduate, Graduate or graduates within the last 36 month from an accredited college or university are encouraged to apply
• Ability to think critically
• Willingness to be creative, energetic, and accountable, especially with self-directed tasks
• Detail Oriented
• Ability to Multi-task
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Must maintain confidentiality of information as required

• Intern MUST work flexible hours that will include some nights and weekends.  

• A background check is required 

• Must maintain confidentiality of all information 

Timeline: 

Intern selected by: March 1st

Schedule: 

Start Date: June 1, 2026 

End Date: July 24, 2026 

Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor. Interns are permitted to work up to 40 hours a week. 

To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s hours, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the last three years. Students will be required to submit a current schedule or official transcript. 

Compensation: 

• Undergraduate Interns: $13.00
• Graduate Interns: $14.00 

To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s compensation, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the last three years. Students will be required to submit a current schedule or official transcript. 

Housing

Housing for internship positions is contingent upon available funding and is not guaranteed. If housing is included for a specific internship, it will be clearly stated in the position description. Any housing or relocation assistance provided is considered taxable income and will appear on the intern’s Form W-2. When housing is available, priority is given to students whose permanent residence is located outside a three-hour radius (approximately 150 miles) of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or the Momentary.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands:  In the work environment described below, position requires work at a desk, utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of at least three feet for file and materials storage as appropriate for the demands of the office. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

• Work environment:  Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the museum work environment is usually low to moderate.

If the intern’s personal equipment is used, the museum accepts no liability for any damage caused to said equipment while being used for museum purposes, nor loss or corruption of electronic files on devices.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.