Summary

The History of Art and Visual Culture Fellowship supports independent research projects that make use of the extensive Met collection and Museum resources. Intended for the close study of objects, artworks, and visual traditions, this fellowship encourages original scholarship that advances critical perspectives within the applicant’s field. During their fellowship term, fellows spend the majority of their time pursuing their proposed projects and developing their work in collaboration with departmental supervisors, fellow cohort members, and staff across the Museum. Fields of study may include, but are not limited to, the history of art and architecture, critical theory, media studies, anthropology, and archaeology.

Depending on the needs of their host curatorial department, as well as the relevance of their research interests, fellows might be asked to assist with upcoming projects and exhibitions. However, not all departments request this support.

Key Details

Compensation: $53,000 stipend (junior fellows); $63,000 (senior fellows); + $6,000 travel stipend

Term: September 1, 2027–August 31, 2028

Schedule: FT

Deadline: October 15, 2026 (5 PM ET)

Eligibility

• PhD candidates through senior postdoctoral scholars are eligible to apply. MA students and PhD students who have not yet defended their dissertation proposal are not eligible.
• Junior fellowships are awarded to those applicants who are working on their PhD on the application deadline date. Applicants who receive their PhD after the submission deadline are not eligible for the senior fellowship.
• Senior fellowships are awarded to those applicants who hold a PhD on the application deadline date and/or are well-established scholars.
• Individuals who are neither US citizens nor permanent residents are eligible to apply for The Met Fellowship Program, provided that they have or are able to obtain valid work authorization under applicable US visa regulations. If you are an international student, fellow, or worker currently in the US on a visa sponsored by another entity (e.g. a university, another museum, or employer), we strongly encourage you to speak to your university’s foreign student office or visa sponsor before applying. If you are currently in the US on an F-1 visa sponsored by a US college or university, you may request CPT or OPT from your school to participate in the Fellowship Program. Please contact your university’s foreign student office prior to applying.
• If you are not currently in the US, The Met may be able to sponsor successful applicants as part of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, if they are eligible. Please note that the J-1 Exchange Program has specific regulations about repeat participation in the program; if you currently hold or have held a J-1 visa in the past, we strongly encourage you to visit the BridgeUSA website (j1visa.state.gov) and your current sponsor’s visa office to determine your eligibility to apply for another J-1 visa. Please note that The Met does not reimburse or cover costs incurred during the visa application process.

About

The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.

Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as the audiences we engage. Our staff members are art lovers who are passionate about working toward a common goal: creating the most dynamic and inspiring art museum in the world.

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