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!

Become a CMA Docent

The Cleveland Museum of Art is recruiting for the docent class of 2027.

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.

Recruitment Timeline

  • Application Deadline: April 26, 2026
    Please complete the Docent Interest Form below to be considered.

  • Virtual Open Houses: February 27, March 27, and April 24, 2026
    Join us to learn more about the docent program, training process, and volunteer expectations.

    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://clevelandart-org.zoom.us/j/85690502711

    Meeting ID: 856 9050 2711

  • Interviews: May–July 2026
    Selected applicants will be invited to interview.
  • Decisions Announced: August 2026
  • Training Begins: January 2027

About the Training Program

Docent training is a one-year, in-person program held weekly at the museum. Participants study art history, the CMA collection, and in-gallery teaching techniques to prepare to lead tours.

We seek volunteers who are available to serve during the day, Monday through Friday, both at the museum and off-site in community centers and schools.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants who are the following:

  • Warm and welcoming communicators
  • Curious lifelong learners who enjoy research
  • Great storytellers who can engage diverse audiences of all ages
  • Self-proficient and comfortable at using email, Google Drive, printers, library search engines, etc. 

While we wish we could accept everyone who applies, space in the training program is limited.

If you love art, learning, and connecting with people, please fill out the Docent Interest Form below to apply to join this inspiring community of volunteers.

Docent Interest Form

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.

A crowd of people gathered outside the CMA in celebration, with art projected onto the building behind them

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.

The CMA’s Gartner auditorium

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.

The CMA’s armor court gallery, displaying many suits of armor

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.

Visitors exploring prints in the museum

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.

Young children sitting on a bench at the CMA drawing on a large sheet of paper

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.

Children participating in an activity using tape on the ground