Museum curator
Create displays of historic objects, pieces of art and other items to help people understand more about the past and different cultures.
About the job
What it's like
You would create displays of historic objects, pieces of art and all sorts of other items to help people understand more about the past and different cultures.
You would make sure that the collections of objects of artistic, scientific, historical and general interest are looked after properly.
You’d find ways to display the collections so that visitors can enjoy them. The exhibitions will help visitors learn more about how people lived in the past, and its impact on how they live today.
You would:
Select, buy or borrow items
Organise records, catalogues and indexes, usually on computer
Make sure exhibits are stored in the right conditions
Arrange conservation and restoration
Set up displays and exhibitions
Help visitors to understand and enjoy exhibits and collections
Manage budgets
Organise publicity and fundraising
Liaise with staff in other museum
Give talks to groups
Supervise staff
In large museums you might specialise in one area. In a small general museum you would have wider responsibilities.
You’d need to be good at planning and organising. You’d need to be able to build strong relationships with other organisations and businesses so you can work together on projects.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- innovative
- written communication
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Classical Studies
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Creative Arts
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History
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Latin
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of museum or gallery.
You'll usually require a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) relevant to the collection you want to curate. Useful subjects include:
Museum or heritage studies
Archaeology
Ancient history
Classics
Art history
Natural sciences
Anthropology
Education
This field is very competitive. Some employers expect a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11).
To enter a postgraduate qualification in museum and gallery studies or a similar subject requires a 2:1 honours degree and relevant experience.
Some larger museums offer a limited number of curator traineeships for graduates.
As museum work is a competitive field, gaining experience through volunteering or an internship is essential. Search museum volunteering opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
Most entrants start out as an assistant curator or keeper.
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