Museum & Exhibition Visual Design Intern

Job Description

Exhibition Visual Design Internship (Summer 2026)

Remote Optional

Position Profile

Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), the world’s largest museum planning and interpretive design firm, is offering paid internships to interested persons looking to further their academic and/or career goals in museums, cultural institutions, and any related fields. Qualified undergraduate students, recent graduates, graduate students, and emerging professionals are welcome to apply. 

This internship program is operated out of the New York Studio; however, RAA internships can be completed remotely, in person, or a combination thereof. All applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of location within the US.

This program will cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the multidisciplinary process involved in designing a museum/exhibition across departments and will consist of three main elements: full-time RAA project work, non-project based initiatives, and networking with studio leadership, senior staff, and the owners of RAA. Interns are assigned to projects according to RAA’s staffing needs. They have the opportunity to do real work and actively contribute to their team.

The Visual Design Intern works under the guidance of Visual Design staff to help produce exhibit visual concepts and other project-specific assignments. The Visual Design staff works closely with RAA's Content staff, Physical Design staff, and clients to determine the exhibition design visual identity, graphic systems, and layouts. 

Responsibilities:

• Supporting Visual Design staff with exhibit graphic design development;
• Contributing to exhibit visual identity development;
• Designing and producing visual systems, layouts, and documentation (visual layouts, visual elevations, maps, illustrations, diagrams, fabrication specifications, etc.);
• Creating art samples for fabricators and assisting in graphic production;
• Working on multiple projects and at multiple scales concurrently, meeting all project deadlines.
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Requirements: 

• Currently pursuing (or recently completed) a BA or advanced degree in Visual Design, Visual Arts, Visual Communications, or related fields;
• Creative portfolio that demonstrates a strong design sensibility, conceptual clarity, editorial eye, and attention to detail;
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Adobe Acrobat Professional, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace;
• Strong conceptual ability and editorial strength;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Proactive approach to time and task management;
• Strong attention to detail.

Salary Range and Internship Duration

• Approximately 40 hours a week (RAA can accommodate school schedules)
• Compensation: $20.00/hour
• Approximately June 1, 2026  to August 20, 2026
• Potential to extend beyond the summer based on project needs and intern availability

How to Apply:

The application deadline for the RAA Summer Internship Program is Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot personally respond to each applicant. Selected candidates will be contacted via email regarding our interview process. To apply for this role, please fill out the application form which can be found here and on our website under “Opportunities.” 

EEO Statement:

RAA is an equal opportunity practice that is committed to furthering diversity and inclusion in our studio. RAA does not discriminate in employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of: race; color; creed; religion; gender; gender identity or expression; sex; sexual orientation; national origin or ancestry; citizenship status; health or genetic information; age; marital status; mental or physical disability; pregnancy; political affiliation; arrest record; past, present, or future service in the uniformed services; or any other legally protected status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all personnel practices, including, but not limited to, recruitment, project assignments, professional development, compensation, or any other employment practice. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and candidates from other underrepresented communities to apply.