Christie's Books and Manuscripts Department Intern
- Location
- Paris Île-de-France France
- Employment
- Internship
- Seniority
- Intern
- Compensation
- €900/month
- Department
- Heritage, Patrimony & Archives
- Posted
- Sep 30, 2026
About Christie's
Founded in London in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is a leading international auction house whose heritage spans fine art, decorative arts, jewellery and exceptional collectibles. Through auctions, private sales and digital platforms, it connects collectors with remarkable objects and the expertise that brings their histories to life. As an employer, Christie’s offers career paths across specialist departments, client services, marketing, technology and operations within a global, culturally rich environment. Its work calls for intellectual curiosity, discretion and meticulous attention to detail, appealing to professionals who value scholarship, commercial acumen and the exacting standards of the international art and luxury markets.
Christie's Books & Manuscripts Department Intern (6 months) in Paris – support expert specialists in rare books cataloguing and research.
Role & Responsibilities
- Conduct bibliographic research essential to lot authentication and condition reporting
- Prepare Cultural Heritage Certificates (CBC) documentation and export permits
- Monitor incoming lots, verify provenance, and manage storage in departmental reserves
- Attend restoration workshops and coordinate with conservation specialists as needed
- Prepare lots for public exhibition and assist in client reception and visitor engagement alongside departmental experts
- Provide administrative support and general departmental assistance
Qualifications
- Enrolled in a Master's programme in Letters, Humanities, Art History, or equivalent, ideally combined with a business school or IEP diploma
- Demonstrated genuine interest in rare books, manuscripts, and bibliophilia
- Fluent in English with strong command of French
- Proficiency with standard office IT tools and databases
- Previous internship experience in an auction house, gallery, specialist rare book shop, conservation studio, heritage library, or archives
- Meticulous attention to detail and proven aptitude for documentary research
Skills
Experience
Prior internship experience in an auction house, gallery, specialist rare book shop, restoration workshop, heritage library, or archival service is preferred.
Education
Currently enrolled in or completing a Master's degree in Letters, Humanities, Art History, or equivalent discipline, ideally combined with a business school or IEP (Institut d'Études Politiques) diploma.
Workplace
This position is based in Paris, Île-de-France, France.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position is EUR 900 per month.
Benefits
Monthly stipend of €900 gross; meal vouchers valued at €10 per day (€5 subsidised by Christie's); transport cost reimbursement at 50%; statutory internship convention required.
Culture
Christie’s workplace culture centres on specialist expertise, intellectual curiosity and a shared appreciation for art and exceptional objects, with discretion and attentive client service shaping its professional environment. Its international auction business brings together specialists and colleagues across disciplines, combining a distinguished heritage with an evolving approach to digital engagement and the global art market.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Christie's, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Departmental Intern - Books and Manuscripts», «Rare Books Cataloguing Intern», «Archives and Manuscripts Intern», «Collections Researcher Intern», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.