Museum/Exhibit Curator

Museum and exhibit curators oversee the preservation and presentation of museum collections. They plan and organize exhibits that interpret and communicate the significance of artifacts, specimens, and other objects. They also conduct research, write labels and text panels, and give lectures and tours to help visitors understand the collections.

What Do Museum/Exhibit Curators Do?

The responsibilities of a museum/exhibit curator can vary depending on the size and type of museum or institution they work for. However, some of the most common responsibilities include:

• Conducting research on collections and developing exhibits that interpret and communicate the significance of artifacts, specimens, and other objects
• Writing labels and text panels that provide visitors with information about the collections
• Giving lectures and tours to help visitors understand the collections
• Preserving and conserving collections by ensuring they are stored and displayed in a way that minimizes damage
• Managing budgets and staff for exhibits and programs
• Collaborating with other staff members, including conservators, educators, and designers, to develop and implement exhibits
• Working with community groups and other organizations to promote the museum and its collections

How to Become a Museum/Exhibit Curator

There is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a museum/exhibit curator. However, most curators have a bachelor's degree in a field related to museum studies, such as history, art history, or anthropology. Some curators also have a master's degree in museum studies or a related field. In addition to completing formal education, curators typically gain experience through internships and volunteer work at museums and other cultural institutions.

Skills and Knowledge

Museum/exhibit curators need to have a strong foundation in history, art history, or anthropology. They also need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Other important skills for curators include:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Research skills
• Writing skills
• Public speaking skills
• Project management skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of museum practices and standards

Career Growth

Museum/exhibit curators can advance their careers by taking on leadership roles within their organizations. Some curators may also move into positions in museum administration or education. With additional education and experience, curators can also become museum directors.

Transferable Skills

The skills and knowledge that museum/exhibit curators develop can be transferred to a variety of other careers, including:

• Archivist
• Librarian
• Historian
• Art historian
• Educator
• Project manager

Day-to-Day Work

The day-to-day work of a museum/exhibit curator can vary depending on the size and type of museum or institution they work for. However, some of the most common tasks that curators perform include:

• Conducting research on collections
• Developing exhibits
• Writing labels and text panels
• Giving lectures and tours
• Conserving collections
• Managing budgets and staff
• Collaborating with other staff members
• Working with community groups and other organizations

Challenges

Museum/exhibit curators face a number of challenges, including:

• Limited funding
• Competition for jobs
• The need to stay up-to-date on new research and trends in museum studies
• The need to balance the needs of different stakeholders, such as visitors, scholars, and donors
• The need to deal with the emotional impact of working with objects that have historical or cultural significance

Projects

Museum/exhibit curators may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Developing new exhibits
• Conserving and restoring museum objects
• Conducting research on collections
• Giving lectures and tours
• Writing articles and books
• Developing educational programs
• Working with community groups and other organizations

Personal Growth

Museum/exhibit curators can experience personal growth through their work in a number of ways. For example, they can:

• Develop a deeper understanding of history, art history, or anthropology
• Learn how to communicate complex information effectively
• Develop leadership skills
• Become more involved in their community
• Make a difference in the lives of others

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

Museum/exhibit curators typically have the following personality traits and personal interests:

• A passion for history, art history, or anthropology
• Strong communication skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• A detail-oriented personality
• A strong work ethic
• A desire to make a difference in the world

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in pursuing a career as a museum/exhibit curator can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects can include:

• Visiting museums and other cultural institutions
• Volunteering at a museum or other cultural institution
• Conducting research on a topic related to museum studies
• Writing a paper or giving a presentation on a topic related to museum studies
• Developing an exhibit proposal

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way for students to learn more about museum studies and prepare for a career as a museum/exhibit curator. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, complete assignments that simulate real-world work, and network with other students who are interested in museum studies. Some of the skills and knowledge that students can gain from online courses include:

• An understanding of the history and theory of museum studies
• Knowledge of museum practices and standards
• Skills in research, writing, and public speaking
• Experience in developing and implementing exhibits
• An understanding of the role of museums in society

Online courses can be a helpful way for students to learn more about museum studies and prepare for a career as a museum/exhibit curator. However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to qualify someone for a position as a museum/exhibit curator. Most museums and other cultural institutions require their curators to have a bachelor's degree in a field related to museum studies, such as history, art history, or anthropology. In addition, most curators also have experience working in a museum or other cultural institution.