Independent studies and senior theses, faculty-curated exhibitions, student professional development, quiet reflection, and engaging public programs––these are just a few of the opportunities available at the Museum. 

The Museum is the largest classroom on campus and functions as an applied-learning laboratory for the humanities, arts, sciences, and languages. As a teaching museum, the MCMA offers students and faculty opportunities for research, experiential learning, and professional development. Through its dynamic temporary exhibitions, permanent collection representing many cultures and periods, and educational programming, the Museum invites visitors of all ages to look carefully, think critically, and engage in vigorous discussion. Note: We are happy to facilitate remote or in-person collaborations.

Opportunities primarily for faculty

  • Teach classes in the museum. The Museum’s staff is available to help faculty from all fields select works of art that will catalyze rich dialogue among students. Recent visits include courses in Arabic, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Classics, Economics, Gender, Sexuality, & Feminist Studies, History, Neuroscience, and Religion.
  • Temporary exhibitions––frequently selected to support courses from across the curriculum––focus on a range of time periods, cultures, academic disciplines, and topics. Faculty and students often take lead roles in curating these exhibitions.
  • Collection Database. Our user-friendly database makes the Museum’s collection of more than 5,000 works of art from around the world accessible for exploration and study by faculty, students, and the general public. 
  • First-Year Seminars provide an excellent opportunity to introduce students to the Museum as a site of engaged conversation, scholarly research, creative and expository writing, self-expression, and professional development. 

Opportunities primarily for students

  • Museum Ambassadors (paid) lead audience-centered tours for visitors of all ages, from local school children to Middlebury undergraduates to senior citizens. 
  • Internships (paid) during the academic year and summer provide hands-on experience in the museum profession, as well as skill-building in research and writing.
  • Student receptionists (paid) welcome visitors to the Museum, ensuring equitable access to all. 
  • Research, independent study, and senior thesis opportunities exist for students in many disciplines.
  • Student Friends of the Art Museum (free membership for all Middlebury students), an academic interest student organization, organize thought-provoking events, art making, and student-driven discussions. 

For more information on how students and faculty can get involved at the Museum, contact  Jason Vrooman, Ph.D. (Chief Curator & Director of Engagement). To schedule a class visit, please fill out a visit request form or contact Mikki Lane (Coordinator of Events & Programs).