If you are a teen looking to work in a museum or participate in a program at a museum, then this is the page for you. (If you work with teens or have a teen, then you can help steer them to a program or job opportunity that might interest them.)
Adler Planetarium
At the Adler, we believe in the natural curiosity and visionary leadership of Chicago’s youth and strive to create a welcoming space for personal growth and scientific experimentation. Adler Teen Programs provide opportunities for young people to engage deeply with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), prepare for a variety of careers, act as community thinkers and change-makers, and meet peers from across the city all while having fun! Learn more at Teens at Adler
Art Institute of Chicago
Teen Free Admission
The Museum is always free for Chicago teens 17 and under! As of 7/30 the museum is open with new hours and safety procedures. You’ll need to get your free ticket in advance, so check the website for updates, tickets, and the most current information about what’s happening.
Teen Audio Guide
Experience the museum through sounds and stories produced by Chicago teens. Expand your perspective on the Grand Staircase. Meditate to an original soundscape in the Ando Gallery. Connect with contemporary art through spoken word by some of Chicago’s best young poets. Immerse yourself in the ideas, interpretations, and creativity of Chicago youth.
The Teen Audio Guide is available for free on the Art Institute of Chicago Official Mobile app and streaming on the website.
DuSable Museum
National Museum of Mexican Art
Yollocalli Arts Reach is the teen and youth program of the National Museum of Mexican Art. Free art and digital media programs are offered yearly for students ages 13-24. Yollocalli Art Studios are located in both Little Village and Pilsen.
Teen Employment Opportunities
Art Institute of Chicago
After School Matters Internship (Fall)
Fall teen interns will work together to imagine new possibilities for teen engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago. Work with museum professionals, connect with the museum’s art and exhibitions, meet other creative teens, and design social media and other content for Chicagoland teens.
- Meets September 28–December 12, times TBD; Program may run in person, remotely, or hybid
- 10 interns
- Applicants must be 16 years old by the start of the internship
- Paid hourly or by stipend through After School Matters
- Apply online at www.afterschoolmatters.org and email teens@artic.edu for more information
Teen Council (winter/spring)
Teen Council interns design programs and resources that make the Art Institute a more welcoming, accessible, and relevant space for teens. Previous Teen Council projects include teen art exhibitions, museum overnighters, the Exuberus Teen Night, activating @artinstituteteens, and creating a teen audio guide.
- Meets January–June, meeting times TBD; Program may run in person, remotely, or hybid
- 15 interns
- Paid hourly at Chicago minimum wage
- Application will be released late summer/early fall (email teens@artic.edu to get updates)
McMullan Teen Internship (winter/spring)
McMullan Interns work with museum staff to design programming for family and youth audiences, including art-making, tours, and programs.
- Meets January-June; interns typically work Saturdays or Sundays 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; meeting schedule TBD; Program may run in person, remotely, or hybid
- 6 interns
- Paid hourly at Chicago minimum wage
- Application will be released late summer/early fall (email teens@artic.edu to get updates)
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS) – Summer, Fall, and Spring (ASM Advanced Apprenticeship)
Youth in the Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS) program participate in scientific investigations of ecosystems found in city parks and neighborhoods. Teens collect data for existing local, regional and global research projects and develop their own research questions to investigate. Teens gain experience with a wide range of environmental science field and laboratory methods for studying urban ecosystems, design data collection protocols and shareable mobile data collection forms, collect data for their projects, and contribute to peers’ projects. Using web-based apps, youth analyze data and create media-rich digital maps and other data visualizations that are posted on teen-created project websites. This is a paid, stipend-based opportunity. For more information, visit naturemuseum.org/teens. Apply through After School Matters at afterschoolmatters.org/teens/apply/
Camp Counselor Internship – Summer (ASM Internship)
Counselors review activities, prepare for camp sessions, and participate in staff training. Counselors bring high energy and enthusiasm each day as they help supervise up to thirty campers. By the end of the internship, counselors develop skills and knowledge in lesson implementation, informal education instruction, verbal communication skills, large group management (including age-appropriate management strategies), and content knowledge in local habitats and science. *All interns need a social security number. This is a full-time, paid seasonal opportunity. For more information about Nature Museum Camps, visit naturemuseumcamp.org. Apply through After School Matters at afterschoolmatters.org/teens/apply/
MCA Chicago
