Volunteer
More than a thousand committed people volunteer to help the Cleveland Museum of Art serve our visitors and operate the campus each year. Volunteer contributions range from staffing the information desk and helping prepare special events to working at the annual Parade the Circle. They also include serving as docents for school groups and assisting with curatorial projects. These volunteers range from high school to college students, community leaders to retirees. The common thread is that they all share a commitment to this museum and the community.
Please email volunteer@clevelandart.org for more information regarding the volunteer opportunities listed here. Thank you!
MIX Hosts
The place to be on the first Friday of every month is at a MIX at the CMA event. These themed-based happy-hour events feature nationally and internationally acclaimed musical performers and DJs, dancing, cocktails, and gallery tours. The evening begins at 5:00 p.m. and kicks off the weekend for thousands of Clevelanders each month! Volunteers are needed to greet and direct attendees.
Usher Corps
If you enjoy world-class music, performance, and film, this opportunity might be something for you. A seasonal listing would be sent to you so you can sign up for what best fits your schedule. Volunteers are asked to offer their assistance for at least six programs per year. Free tickets are available for active ushers. Training is provided.
Exhibition Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer during our busy exhibition times, you might want to consider signing up as an exhibition volunteer. Duties include hosting at exhibition events and assisting with the audio tours and/or assisted-listening devices. Active exhibition volunteers receive free exhibition tickets.
Museum Store
Outgoing individuals are needed in the museum store. A customer-service or retail background is desirable. Volunteers are asked to assist on a weekly basis.
Survey Volunteers
Your job would involve intercepting our museum visitors for the purpose of conducting an interview or survey. This intercept gives visitors the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences while here at the museum. Surveys and interviews are conducted frequently during special exhibitions.
Chalk Festival
Each September, individuals, families, schools, and neighborhood groups are all invited to participate at this community arts event. Featured chalk artists demonstrate their creativity to a captive audience, and the sounds of musical groups, such as Moko Bovo and Gato’s Gullah Gumbo, can be heard throughout the event. Volunteers are needed to assist check-in at our registration table, help direct participants to their squares, and sell T-shirts and posters. There is guaranteed fun for everyone! Free parking is provided in the museum garage.
Become a CMA Docent
Docents are trained volunteers who engage visitors of all ages in conversations about art—both in the galleries and out in the community. Being a docent is a rewarding and meaningful commitment that combines a love of learning, teaching, and storytelling.
Applications for the Cleveland Museum of Art Docent Class of 2027 are closed. To be notified when applications reopen, please submit your contact information using the Docent Interest Form below.