The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York, is now accepting applications for the Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship 2026–2028. This prestigious two-year program offers early-career scholars the opportunity to gain advanced training in museum curatorial practice while conducting research on one of the world’s most distinguished art collections.
The fellowship is fully funded and specifically supports postdoctoral researchers specializing in Egyptian Art or Islamic Art, with the goal of fostering curatorial expertise and advancing art historical scholarship.
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Egyptian Art
Focus: Egyptology, material culture, and artworks from Egypt’s earliest history through the end of the third millennium BCE.
Additional Requirement: Proficiency in German and French.
Islamic Art
Focus: Mughal or Persian art history, with emphasis on textiles, carpets, and early modern painting.
Additional Requirement: Reading knowledge of Persian and Devanagari; familiarity with Mughal connoisseurship.
Selected fellows will receive:
Annual Salary: $66,300 (pre-tax)
Research Travel Stipend: $6,000 for research-related travel expenses
Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, equivalent to full-time Met staff
Professional Development: Access to The Met’s collections, libraries, mentorship opportunities, fellowship workshops, and Research Out Loud presentations
Applicants must:
Hold a PhD in a relevant field (awarded within five years of the application deadline).
Specialize in Egyptian Art (Egyptology) or Islamic Art (Mughal/Persian Art).
Meet the language requirements for the chosen specialization.
Possess valid US work authorization for the fellowship period (Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2028).
Open to applicants of all nationalities (international scholars must secure US work authorization).
Applications must be submitted online in English. Email or postal submissions will not be considered. Required documents include:
Statement of Interest (max. 1,000 words) – Indicate your chosen specialization and outline research goals, curatorial interests, and relevant experience.
Digital Interpretation Statement (max. 500 words) – Explain how you would contribute to digital interpretive research and curatorial models.
Published Paper or Writing Sample.
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Three Letters of Recommendation – At least one academic and one professional reference. Letters must be uploaded directly by the recommenders.
👉 For more details, visit the official Metropolitan Museum of Art – Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship page.
Application Deadline: October 17, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)
Notification of Results: Last Friday of February 2026
Fellowship Duration: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2028
1. What is this fellowship?
A fully funded two-year curatorial fellowship at The Met, offering postdoctoral scholars specialized training and research opportunities in Islamic or Egyptian Art.
2. Who is eligible?
Scholars worldwide with a PhD awarded within five years of the deadline, provided they meet specialization and language requirements and hold US work authorization.
3. What specializations are supported?
Egyptian Art: Egyptology and early material culture
Islamic Art: Mughal/Persian art, especially textiles, carpets, and painting
4. What languages are required?
Egyptian Art: German and French
Islamic Art: Persian and Devanagari
5. What does the fellowship provide?
Annual salary ($66,300), $6,000 research stipend, health benefits, and extensive professional development opportunities.
6. How are applicants selected?
Selection is based on academic excellence, relevance of specialization, research potential, and ability to contribute to curatorial practice at The Met.
7. When will results be announced?
Notifications will be sent in February 2026.
✨ The Met Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship 2026–2028 offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of curatorial practice while conducting meaningful research at one of the world’s most iconic museums.