Volunteers
Volunteering at the MFAH
Each year, more than 1,000 people contribute to the cultural vibrancy of this great city by donating their time to the MFAH. Men and women of different backgrounds, from high-school students to retirees, help the museum to meet its goal of bringing art into the lives of people throughout Houston’s communities. At the MFAH, volunteer opportunities encompass a broad range of abilities and interests. Options include leading tours of the museum galleries, working at the information desk, helping in the gift shop, assisting with clerical duties, greeting guests, and facilitating children’s art projects. For more details, please scroll down to the Opportunities sections below for adults and teens.
How to Apply
To become an MFAH volunteer, first complete and submit an application. Next, you will be invited to attend an orientation session. This important step is required for all prospective volunteers so that you can learn about the available opportunities, tour volunteer areas of the museum, and meet the Volunteer Services Department staff. Orientation sessions are held about once a month.
Consider Joining the Guild
The Guild is the leadership group of the museum's volunteers.
All MFAH volunteers are eligible to join, and membership is completely optional. Guild members receive additional benefits such as invitations to exclusive lectures, social events, private exhibition viewings, and trips to museums in cities across the country. Annual dues start at $40. Join the Guild today!
Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
Although most volunteer openings at the MFAH are geared to adults, certain events are perfect for younger volunteers. If you are between the ages of 13 and 17, complete and submit an application, along with the volunteer commitment and waiver. A parent or guardian must sign the waiver and volunteer application, as well. Once we receive your paperwork via e-mail, fax, or USPS, we will add your information into our database of 13–17 year old volunteers. You will be contacted via e-mail when volunteer opportunities arise for your age group. Some of these activities include family days at the museum and Bayou Bend; the annual Holiday Party for MFAH Members; and the annual Children's Party at Bayou Bend. Contact vol@mfah.org or 713.639.7507 for more details.
Volunteer Opportunities for Adults
The invaluable service provided by volunteers is critical to the museum's success on a daily basis. Many different options are available throughout the year, including family days at the museum, Rienzi, and Bayou Bend; the Bayou City Art Festival; and assistance in the museum's offices, archives, and retail shop. A complete list of opportunities is available here, and you can contact vol@mfah.org or 713.639.7507 for more details.
Become a Docent
Docents are volunteer museum educators who engage visitors of all ages in conversations and active explorations about art. The docent training program encompasses art history as well as touring methods and techniques, so each docent is fully prepared to facilitate enriching experiences in the galleries. The MFAH invites you to join the dedicated corps of more than 200 volunteer docents and discover a world of art.
Click here for a closer look at the MFAH Docent Program, and contact docents@mfah.org for more information. For information about becoming a docent at Rienzi, click here.