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- Manage collections in museums and galleries, conserving them and exhibiting to the public
- You'll need a passion for the area/period your museum or gallery specialises in
- Work your way up from assistant roles and/or gain relevant qualifications
As a museum curator, you'll manage the content and collections of interest to museums.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Selecting, buying or borrowing items
- Organising records, catalogues and indexes
- Making sure exhibits are stored under the right conditions
- Arranging conservation and restoration
- Helping visitors to interpret and enjoy exhibits and collections
- Organising publicity and fundraising
- Giving talks
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll be based in a museum, working with items of scientific or historical interest on a daily basis.
You'll need
For this role, you'll need knowledge of English language, thoroughness and attention to detail, an interest and knowledge of history, knowledge of teaching, flexibility and openness to change, good initiative, the ability to work well with others, and excellent verbal communication skills.
You'll usually need a degree and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject like museum or heritage studies, archaeology or ancient history, classics, natural sciences, anthropology, or education.
You could also start out as an assistant curator, conservator, or education manager before becoming a museum curator.
Paid or unpaid work experience will also be essential when applying for both courses and jobs.
You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in heritage and cultural operations.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could progress to senior curator or museum/gallery director.