Museum Preparator

Museum Preparators install and maintain exhibitions in museums and other public spaces. They work with curators and other museum staff to develop and implement exhibition plans. Museum Preparators may also be responsible for the care and preservation of museum collections.

Education and Training

Museum Preparators typically need a bachelor's degree in museum studies, art history, or a related field. Some employers may also require experience in a museum setting.

Skills

Museum Preparators should have strong technical skills, including carpentry, painting, and electrical work. They should also be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Museum Preparators is expected to be good over the next few years. This is due to the increasing number of museums and other public spaces that are being built.

Career Advancement

Museum Preparators can advance to positions such as Exhibition Designer or Museum Director.

Transferable Skills

The skills that Museum Preparators develop can be transferred to other careers, such as carpentry, painting, and electrical work.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Museum Preparators typically work in a museum setting. They may be responsible for the following tasks:

• Installing and maintaining exhibitions
• Working with curators and other museum staff to develop and implement exhibition plans
• Caring for and preserving museum collections
• Conducting research on museum collections
• Writing labels and other educational materials
• Giving tours of exhibitions

Challenges

Museum Preparators may face the following challenges:

• Working with heavy objects
• Working in a dusty environment
• Working under deadlines
• Dealing with difficult people

Projects

Museum Preparators may work on the following projects:

• Installing a new exhibition
• Conserving a museum collection
• Conducting research on a museum collection
• Writing a label for a museum object
• Giving a tour of an exhibition

Personal Growth Opportunities

Museum Preparators can experience the following personal growth opportunities:

• Developing their technical skills
• Learning about different cultures and histories
• Working with a variety of people
• Making a difference in their community

Personality Traits and Interests

Museum Preparators should have the following personality traits and interests:

• Attention to detail
• Strong technical skills
• Interest in history and culture
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication skills

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in becoming Museum Preparators can complete the following self-guided projects:

• Volunteer at a local museum
• Take a course in museum studies or art history
• Shadow a Museum Preparator
• Conduct research on a museum collection
• Write a label for a museum object

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the skills and knowledge that are needed to become a Museum Preparator. These courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Some of the skills and knowledge that students can gain from online courses include:

• Museum studies
• Art history
• Carpentry
• Painting
• Electrical work
• Communication skills

Online courses can also provide students with the opportunity to work on projects and assignments that are related to the museum field. These projects and assignments can help students to develop their skills and knowledge and to prepare for a career as a Museum Preparator.

Are Online Courses Enough?

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for students who are interested in becoming Museum Preparators. However, online courses alone are not enough to prepare students for a career in this field. Students who are interested in becoming Museum Preparators should also gain experience in a museum setting.