Museum Department Volunteer Program

Assist visitors throughout The Met and in the library and help with events and programs. Training is provided—no prior experience is required.

What We’re Looking For

A friendly and welcoming demeanor, strong communication skills, curiosity about art, interest in engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and a commitment to facilitating positive museum experiences.

How to Apply

Please see below for Museum Department Volunteer opportunities that are currently available. Check back periodically; new opportunities are posted as they arise.

Museum Department Programs and Assignments

Visitor Experience (VX) Volunteers
The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters
Serve as the welcoming face of The Met throughout the Museum, helping visitors, members, and groups with directions and recommendations. As of Winter 2022, VX volunteers are stationed throughout galleries with the ability to move around as they assist visitors. Information desk positions may return sometime in the future. Volunteers offer support to and facilitate the arrival of K–12 school groups. Computer skills, especially Internet-search skills, are required.

Time commitment: Weekday VX volunteers serve one shift weekly, year-round. Weekend and evening VX volunteers serve one shift every other week, year-round.

81st Street Studio Volunteers
The Met Fifth Avenue
Help Met staff welcome visitors to the 81st Street Studio and support its function and programs. The 81st Street Studio is a new multisensory discovery and play space promoting learning through art and materiality, primarily designed for children ages 3 to 11 and their caregivers. The 81st Street Studio focuses on integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) and connecting hands-on exploration with artworks in The Met collection. This exciting initiative will increase the family-friendliness of The Met by offering self-directed activities, along with Storytime at The Met, a beloved Museum tradition.

Time commitment: One three-hour shift every other week, year-round. Volunteers serve on weekdays or weekends.

Access Programs
The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters
Help make programs accessible and engaging for visitors with disabilities by assisting educators with program preparation, carrying and distributing materials, and helping visitors get around.

Time commitment: Assist with one program monthly; weekday and weekend programs.

Family Programs
The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters
Gather and prepare supplies, help with set-up and clean-up, assist teaching staff in facilitating hands-on experiences, help with wayfinding, and provide a positive, personal museum experience.

Time commitment: At least once monthly; weekday and weekend programs.

Gallery Talks and Tours
The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters
Assist Education staff who produce in-gallery conversations led by curators, educators, other Museum staff, and guest speakers. Welcome visitors and distribute and collect assistive listening devices.

Time commitment: At least once monthly, weekday and weekend programs.

Watson Library
The Met Fifth Avenue
Assist behind the scenes in every aspect of the library, including helping to acquire and conserve material, and updating and managing information files.

Time commitment: One half-day per week, year-round.

Patron’s Lounge
The Met Fifth Avenue
Provide a warm welcome to Members in the Patron’s Lounge and help them make the most of their visit by sharing information about current exhibitions and programs.

Time commitment: One three-hour shift weekly, year-round. Weekend and evening volunteers serve one shift every other week.

The Met Cloisters Gardens
Assist horticultural staff with garden maintenance, including weeding, pruning, and sweeping paths.

Time commitment: Half days (three hours) or full days (five hours) seasonally; weekday and weekend placements.