Volunteer
The Met is committed to welcoming audiences that reflect the diversity of New York City. Volunteers are a key partner in this mission, helping The Met create an inclusive environment where everyone can connect with art and find inspiration. We encourage people from all backgrounds and life experiences to apply to our volunteer programs. No experience is required, and training is offered for all programs. Volunteers perform a unique form of philanthropy that supports The Met and our visitors.
Why Volunteer at the Met?
- Be an ambassador for 5,000 years of global art by building personal connections and fostering community.
- Learn about The Met collection and exhibitions directly from curators, educators, and conservators.
- Meet people who share an interest in art and education.
- Attend free concerts and lectures (space allowing).
- Receive discounts at Met shops and restaurants.
Choose Your Volunteer Path
Museum Department Volunteer
Assist visitors at information desks and in the libraries, help with events and programs, or support curatorial and conservation staff.
Guided Tour Volunteer
Introduce school students (grades K–12) or adult visitors to The Met collection. Select and research artworks and engage visitors in one-hour tours as well as brief, informal gallery chats with the goal of making art relevant, meaningful, and inspiring. Lead tours in English or one of ten other languages.
Current Opportunities
This year, the Guided Tour Program is recruiting for School Tours (K–12) and International Language Tours only.
School Tour Guide
The Met Fifth Avenue
Lead school groups (K–12) at The Met Fifth Avenue. School Program tours are student-centered, inquiry-based discussions that build students’ confidence in learning to look closely at works of art from multiple perspectives. Volunteers are trained to lead groups of students. All are welcome to apply; no experience required!
Time commitment: Combination of on-site and virtual trainings one day per week from December 2025 to June 2026, plus additional time either on-site at the Museum or elsewhere to research and prepare your tour. Following training, guides commit to leading tours on the same day each week and participating in ongoing training opportunities throughout the year. Guides are required to give a minimum of two tours during the summer.
The application deadline is March 15, 2025.
Apply Now
Attend an Information Session
International Tour Guide
The Met Fifth Avenue
Introduce visitors to the Museum with an overview of The Met collection. Lead tours in one of ten languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish. Tours are conducted weekdays and weekends at The Met Fifth Avenue. All are welcome to apply; no experience required!
Time commitment: Combination of on-site and virtual trainings one day per week from December 2025 to June 2026, plus additional time either on-site at the Museum or elsewhere to research and prepare your tour. Following training, guides commit to leading a tour every two to three weeks and participating in ongoing training opportunities throughout the year. Guides are required to give at least four additional tours annually on an abbreviated, opt-in schedule during holidays and vacation periods.
The application deadline is March 15, 2025.