Volunteers enjoy an intimate relationship with the museum, supporting and enriching the visitor experience.
We encourage anyone who is interested to apply online or download the form. If you have any questions about volunteering, please email volunteer@asianart.org or call 415.581.3725.
Active volunteers perform two four-hour shifts per month. In the busy period from May to September, we ask our summer volunteers to conduct at least 12 four-hour shifts total.
Scheduling is flexible and can accommodate both weekday and weekend shifts. Volunteer shifts are as follows:
Tue–Sun: 9:45am to 1:45pm, 11am to 3pm, and 1:30pm to 5:30pm.
Additional shift Thursday evening, 5:15pm to 9:15pm.
Volunteers receive a 20% discount on purchases in the Museum Store and on museum memberships, as well as a 10% discount in Cafe Asia.
Volunteers receive museum orientation and formal training in the relevant areas. Below is a list of specialized volunteer areas.
If you are interested in learning more about our architectural-guide, docent or storyteller programs, please contact volunteer@asianart.org. Docents are required to complete a three-year course of study.
The Life of a Volunteer
Volunteers are passionate, dedicated champions of the Asian Art Museum’s mission. While anyone can apply to become a volunteer (with no previous experience required), successful applicants are expected to make a yearlong commitment.Active volunteers perform two four-hour shifts per month. In the busy period from May to September, we ask our summer volunteers to conduct at least 12 four-hour shifts total.
Scheduling is flexible and can accommodate both weekday and weekend shifts. Volunteer shifts are as follows:
Tue–Sun: 9:45am to 1:45pm, 11am to 3pm, and 1:30pm to 5:30pm.
Additional shift Thursday evening, 5:15pm to 9:15pm.
Volunteers receive a 20% discount on purchases in the Museum Store and on museum memberships, as well as a 10% discount in Cafe Asia.
Volunteers receive museum orientation and formal training in the relevant areas. Below is a list of specialized volunteer areas.
Visitor Services
Visitors have questions about where things are in the museum or the surrounding neighborhood, as well as what’s happening in the museum. You’ve got the answers. A shift in Visitor Services includes time spent working at the Coat Check. Some standing is required.Museum Store
You’ll help customers navigate and understand the merchandise, which reflects art from the collections, and work the register. Some standing is required.Education Resource Room
You’ll help visitors understand and perform hands-on activities, as well as inform them about our interactive learning space. The Resource Room is currently closed.Conservation Center
The Conservation Center requires volunteers with a high degree of specialization. To inquire about current volunteering opportunities in Conservation, please contact volunteer@asianart.org.If you are interested in learning more about our architectural-guide, docent or storyteller programs, please contact volunteer@asianart.org. Docents are required to complete a three-year course of study.
