Interpretation and Outreach Associates (IOAs) are college students, recent graduates, and curious adults interested in the museum field who facilitate museum education and community engagement through an inclusive, interdisciplinary, and intersectional approach. Working within the Education department, IOAs lead thoughtful student-centered tours for our school and family programs and support art studio instruction. Additionally, IOAs provide support and collaborate on family and public, community partnerships, and other education and outreach initiatives. As key collaborators, IOAs participate in a rigorous hands-on training, including readings, discussions, workshops, and seminars on museum education, programming, interpretation, and more.

We offer paid internships to emerging professionals — undergraduate, graduate students, or recent graduates — who are interested in art and museum careers. Interns work directly with museum staff to support departmental goals and on individual projects that support their personal and professional goals. Interns participate in training sessions, professional development, and talks from leaders in the field. They gain knowledge of museum careers and culture, receive mentorship from full-time museum staff, receive hands-on project experience and feedback, and join a network of emerging museum professionals.

Our summer internship program is on hiatus for 2026. We are not accepting applications at this time.

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Instructors from any accredited college may arrange docent-led tours of select special exhibitions for their classes. Please note that tours of special exhibitions have a fee. Tours must be arranged four weeks in advance and are about 45 minutes long.

Educators are also welcome to lead their classes on self-guided tours through either the de Young or the Legion of Honor. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please note that self-guided tours of special exhibitions have a fee.

To arrange a tour or self-guided visit of the permanent collection, please submit the museum visit request form. You may also fax, email, or mail a PDF request (fax: 415.750.3540, email: cinaba@famsf.org, mailing address: Cynthia Inaba, de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118).

Requests will be processed in the order received. If you have questions please, call 415.750.3638 or email cinaba@famsf.org. 

To arrange a tour or self-guided visit of a special exhibition, please contact Group Sales at 415.750.3620.

Sketching in the Museums requires special permission and a permit. If your class would like to sketch in the permanent collection galleries, please make a reservation at least four weeks in advance by completing the Museum Visit Request.

Prior to the visit, classes should review our sketching, copying, or painting guidelines.

The Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts houses the Museums’ collection of works on paper (prints, drawings, and photographs) and is available for classes of up to 12 students. Object selection and class sessions are coordinated with a curator. Appointments to view objects from the collection can be requested by filling out the appointment request form. See our guidelines for class visits.

For information regarding college events, please email cinaba@famsf.org or call 415.750.3638.