Exhibition Design & Production Intern

Peabody Essex Museum

Are you a designer interested in exploring how museums use design principles to tell compelling, unexpected, and human-centered stories?

This summer, join PEM's Exhibition Design Department to gain hands-on experience in the planning, design, and implementation of exhibitions. This internship offers a unique chance to collaborate with a team of designers and fabricators to create innovative, thought-provoking, accessible experiences at a museum that celebrates the interconnected histories and creativity of people.

This internship will give students practical, hands-on experience in exhibition design and production. They will be involved in various exhibitions with a chance to contribute to projects at different stages of development, including concepting, design development, and fit-up/installation. Depending on candidate's skillset and experience, projects may include:

- Contributing to design ideation efforts for upcoming exhibitions

- Drafting or creating models of objects on upcoming exhibit checklists and collaborate with curators on artwork layout and display

- Preparing installation documentation

- Taking part in gallery preparation, demolition, and maintenance efforts

- Participating in cross-departmental exhibit project meetings

Internship Qualifications:

- The role is best suited for those pursuing studies in Architecture, Interior Design, Exhibit Design, Theatre/Set Design, or related subjects.

Required Qualifications:

- Proficiency in 2D drafting software (Vectorworks or AutoCAD preferred)

- Proficiency in 3D modeling (Vectorworks preferred)

- A portfolio demonstrating fundamental understanding of spatial design

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with fabrication shop practices and basic carpentry knowledge

- Fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud

Please note, this position is located in Salem, MA and requires reliable transportation; Salem is conveniently served by the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Newburyport/Rockport Line.

The Summer Internship Program will run from June 11 to August 24, 2026, or an agreed upon end date with the hiring manager. A mandatory in-person orientation will be held at the museum on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Interns are also required to participate in professional development sessions, held on Thursdays through August 13th. Please note that session times are subject to change, and some sessions may be conducted in a hybrid format.

This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes participation in professional development programming. This equates to approximately 18 onsite hours per week over the course of ten weeks. All internships are fully in person and take place on site. Please note the location where each internship will take place.