Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious two-year program designed to provide exceptional postdoctoral scholars with hands-on curatorial training and professional development. This fellowship offers early-career researchers a unique opportunity to collaborate with world-class curators, scholars, and museum staff, while working closely with a dedicated mentor on projects connected to The Met’s renowned collection or upcoming exhibitions.
The fellowship not only supports advanced research but also prepares scholars for long-term curatorial careers by enhancing their expertise and practical skills. Through immersive learning, mentorship, and international collaboration, the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026 aims to strengthen the global curatorial field and cultivate the next generation of leaders in museums and cultural institutions.
Fellowship Summary
- Country: USA
- Host: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
- Study Level: Postdoctoral
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Duration: 2 years
- Deadline: 17 October 2025
Benefits of Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026
- Salary per year: $66,300 (before taxes and deductions).
- $6,000 is the research travel stipend, which can be used for authorised travel linked to research.
- Benefits Package: Full-scope health and dental coverage comparable to that of full-time Met employees.
- Professional development opportunities include participating actively in Research Out Loud lectures and Fellowship Program seminars, gaining access to The Met’s holdings and libraries, and receiving curatorial supervision.
Eligibility Criteria for Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026
- By the time of the application, have a PhD in a related discipline.
- completed their doctoral studies within five years of the deadline.
- specialisation in Mughal/Persian art (for an Islamic Art fellowship) or Egyptology (for an Egyptian Art fellowship).
Extra Prerequisites
- German and French language proficiency is required for the Egyptian Art Fellowship.
- Islamic Art Fellowship: knowledge of Mughal connoisseurship and proficiency in Persian and Devanagari reading.
- must possess a current US work permit for the whole fellowship period, which runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2028.
Subjects: Islamic Art, Egyptian Art
How to Apply for Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026
- Visit the official website: The Met Museum Fellowship Portal
- Create an online account and start your application.
- Complete the fellowship application form with accurate academic and professional details.
- Upload required documents (CV, references, writing samples, etc.).
- Provide a strong statement of research interest and curatorial goals.
- Review all information before submission.
- Submit your application within the deadline for consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Explore what the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026 entails: a two-year postdoctoral opportunity at The Met in Egyptian or Islamic Art with curatorial training, open to emerging scholars, involving independent projects and mentorship.
What is the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026?
The Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellowship 2026–2028 is a two-year program at The Met offering postdoctoral scholars curatorial training through hands-on museum work and mentorship.
Which departments offer the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2006?
For 2026–2028, the fellowship is available in the Departments of Egyptian Art or Islamic Art at The Met.
Who is eligible for the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026?
Eligibility includes postdoctoral scholars at an early career stage, aiming for curatorial training, working on projects tied to The Met’s collection or upcoming exhibitions.
What training does the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026 provide?
Fellows work with a curatorial supervisor and mentor, gaining practical experience and engaging with The Met’s staff and scholars on collection-based or exhibition projects.
What is the focus of the Egyptian Art fellowship?
The Egyptian Art track focuses on reimagining Old Kingdom galleries, involving study of sculpture and relief, and interpretation of artworks from Egypt’s earliest history to c. 3rd millennium BCE.
Do fellows undertake independent projects?
Yes. Fellows engage in an independent project in consultation with their supervising curator, supplementing their participation in the broader Fellowship Program.
What community aspect is included in the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026?
Fellows become part of a global academic community at The Met, connecting with staff and international scholars through the program.
Is there a public component to the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026?
Yes. Fellows participate in “Research Out Loud: Met Fellows Present,” an annual event allowing them to present their research to the public.
What type of curator support is available?
Each fellow works closely with a curatorial supervisor and mentor focused on a Met collection or exhibition project.
How long is the Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellowship 2026 term?
This postdoctoral curatorial fellowship spans two years, covering the period from 2026 through 2028.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Scholarship Union shares publicly available scholarship opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any listed institution unless clearly stated.
Listings may come from public sources or user submissions. We do not guarantee their accuracy, completeness, or availability.
To report issues or request updates, please contact us here.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
