Vincent van Gogh, “Self Portrait with Straw Hat” (1887) (image courtesy The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Few things in life are as rewarding as surrounding yourself with artwork, and what better way to do that than to help others experience it as well? The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a robust program of more than 1,400 individuals who lend their time precisely toward that cause. Twelve museum members founded the Met’s first Volunteer Organization in 1962, and it remains active almost six decades later. Volunteers are an essential component to the museum’s smooth operation, whether they sit at information desks, assist with research, conduct surveys, or give tours.

The Met is hosting an information session soon that aspiring volunteers will be interested in attending. The museum’s Volunteer Open House will be held on Saturday morning, November 2, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. It’s part of the museum’s push to recruit more Museum Department Volunteers and Guided Tour Program Volunteers. The open house is open to the public, but it’s definitely a good idea to RSVP at volunteers@metmuseum.org. To apply or to see more information, visit the Met’s website.

When: Saturday, November 2, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (82nd Street & Fifth Avenue, Manhattan)

Eric Vilas-Boas is the former managing editor of Hyperallergic. He has previously worked at Thrillist, Esquire, SPIN, Donorschoose.org, and his writing has appeared at Vulture, Slashfilm, Lit Hub, Paste,...