Demystifying the Role of a Museum Curator
Unfolding the Role of a Museum Curator
A museum curator primarily supervises and manages collections within museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and historical sites. The job entails making acquisitions of new pieces, cataloguing items, conducting research, designing exhibits, and educating the public. Such a role not only requires a passion for art, history, or science but also strong administrative and managerial skills.
What does a Museum Curator Do?
A curator's responsibilities vary depending on the size and type of the museum. In smaller museums, curators may be generalists handling a range of duties. However, within larger institutions, they often specialize in specific areas, like anthropology, art, botany, or history.
Their duties typically include:
- Researching and authenticating items to add to the collections
- Organizing exhibits and tours
- Developing educational programs and material
- Handling administrative tasks such as record keeping, budgeting, fundraising, and promoting their museum through outreach activities.
Requirements and Skills for a Museum Curator
Getting in the field of museum curation requires specific academic qualifications and skills. Some key considerations include:
Education:
Museum curators typically need a master’s degree related to the museum's specialty—typically art history, history, archaeology, or a related field. Some larger museums may prefer candidates with a Doctorate degree.
Experience:
Prior experience is highly valuable in the world of museum curation. Most curators have previous experience working in museums, often in lower-level roles such as museum technicians or conservators.
Skills:
Museum curators need a variety of skills, including:
- Expertise in their subject area
- Research skills
- Business administration abilities
- People skills for public interaction and networking
- Writing skills for grant applications and exhibition labels
Potential Salary for a Museum Curator
The salary for museum curators varies depending on the size and location of the museum, as well as their level of expertise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, curators' median annual wage was $54,570 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,760.
Steps to Apply for a Museum Curator Role
If you meet the educational and skill requirements, apply for a job as a museum curator by following these steps:
1. Gain Relevant Experience:
Start by volunteering or interning at local museums, historical societies, or art galleries. This hands-on experience is invaluable and can often lead to paying jobs.
2. Pursue Higher Education:
Most museum curator positions require advanced degrees, so plan your education accordingly. Specialize in areas that match the type of museum you want to work in.
3. Network:
Become a member of professional organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums or The Museums Association. Attend conferences and events to meet other professionals in the field, and learn about job opportunities.
4. Apply for Jobs:
Keep an eye on job boards, museum websites, and professional organization job listings. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application.
The Future of Museum Curator Jobs
The demand for curators is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than average compared to other occupations. This growth is due to the ongoing need for museums to manage their collections and connect with the public. Innovative curation strategies, such as the use of digital technology, will also likely spur job growth.
A Capstone to Museum Curator Careers
To thrive in a museum curator job, you must have a deep passion for your specialization area—whether that's art, history, science, or another discipline. You'll need the dedication to manage the details of collections, the creativity to design engaging exhibitions, and the commitment to continual learning. While the job may come with the challenge of juggling various administrative tasks, the rewards of preserving and sharing cultural and scientific heritage are significant.
Overall, this profession provides the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment among fascinating pieces of art, history, and knowledge. It’s a job that offers personal enrichment, a chance to provide educational resources to the community, and the privilege of preserving pieces of our shared human heritage for future generations.
