Museum curator

Career path and progression

You can work in small independent museums and galleries, and regional or national institutions. You may need to relocate to take up new job opportunities.

There are lots of different opportunities in the sector from museum or gallery management to public engagement and education roles. You will need to plan your continuous professional development and take advantage of the training available to advance your career.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• an interest and knowledge of history
• knowledge of the fine arts
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• business management skills
• knowledge of how to teach and engage learners
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• History - Museum curators research, identify, and interpret objects and artefacts that tell stories about the past. A strong understanding of historical periods, events, and contexts is essential for building meaningful collections and designing exhibitions that bring history to life for visitors.
• Art and Design - Museum curators – especially those working in art galleries – need a deep understanding of artistic styles, movements, and techniques to assess and display works effectively. They also use visual design skills when planning exhibition layouts, choosing how objects are presented, and creating engaging displays.
• English Language - Museum curators write exhibition texts, catalogue descriptions, educational materials, and funding proposals that need to communicate complex ideas clearly to a wide range of audiences. They also give talks and presentations to everyone from school groups to academic specialists, so strong spoken communication is equally important.

Also relevant

• Business - Museum curators manage budgets, organise fundraising campaigns, and oversee promotional events to keep their museum or gallery running. Understanding project management, marketing, and financial planning helps them secure funding and attract visitors.
• Biology - Museum curators working with natural history collections need to understand classification, ecology, and anatomy to research and identify specimens. They also need to know how environmental conditions like humidity and temperature affect the preservation of organic materials.
• Geography - Museum curators often work with collections that relate to different cultures, environments, and places around the world. Understanding how landscapes, climates, and human geography have shaped societies helps them put objects and exhibitions into a richer context.
• Sociology - Museum curators think carefully about how exhibitions represent different communities, cultures, and social groups. Understanding social structures, identity, and inequality helps them create displays that are inclusive and relevant to diverse audiences.
• Religious Studies - Museum curators frequently handle objects with religious or spiritual significance – from ancient artefacts to sacred art. Understanding different religious traditions and their symbolism helps them interpret these items accurately and display them respectfully.