Museums are institutions that collect, preserve, research, exhibit, and interpret objects of artistic, historical, scientific, and/or cultural significance. Though there are some for-profit museums, most are classified as non-profit organizations. Museums are mission-driven institutions that serve the public as repositories of knowledge and cultural heritage and by creating opportunities for education, exploration, inspiration, connection, and community building.

There are many different types of museums, such as Art Museums, Natural History Museums, Archaeology Museums, History Museums, Cultural Centers, Science Centers, Historic House Museums, and Historic Sites. Aquariums and zoos can also be classified as museums. Given their breadth, museums offer a variety of career opportunities for doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows of any disciplinary background.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to navigate different museum career pathways and how to leverage your skills to be an attractive job candidate: 

• What Do Museums Do?
• Different Types of Museum Roles
• The Potential of Doctoral Students & Postdoctoral Fellows in Museums
• Job Application Tips for a Career in Museums
• Examples of Museums & Cultural Institutions
• Listen to a Podcast episode we recorded about Careers in Museums 

What Do Museums Do? 

Museums are dynamic institutions that collect, preserve, research, exhibit, educate, and engage with the public. They serve as custodians of cultural and scientific heritage, providing spaces for discovery, inspiration, and exploration. Below is an overview of the core functions of museums:

Collection: Museums acquire objects, digital media, and/or specimens relevant to their specific focus or mission. These can include artworks, historical artifacts, archaeological objects, scientific specimens, natural history specimens, and more. Collections are carefully curated, managed, and conserved to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Preservation: Museums are responsible for the care, protection, and conservation of their collections. They employ professionals who specialize in preservation techniques to prevent deterioration and damage to the objects. Conservation efforts may include temperature and humidity control, proper storage, restoration work, and preventative measures against pests and environmental factors.

Research: Museums conduct extensive research on their collections and related subjects. Curators and researchers study the objects to gain insights into their historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance. This research often contributes to academic knowledge and fosters a deeper understanding of the objects and their context.

Exhibition: Museums organize exhibitions to make their collections accessible to the public and to showcase new research. Through thoughtful curation and display techniques, museums create engaging and informative experiences for visitors. Exhibitions may be temporary or permanent, and they often incorporate interpretive materials such as labels, multimedia presentations, interactive displays, and guided tours to provide context and enhance understanding.

Education: Museums offer programs and activities designed to enhance learning and accessibility and inspire curiosity. They provide opportunities for school visits, guided tours, workshops, lectures, and hands-on experiences. These initiatives aim to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a deeper appreciation for art, history, science, and culture.

Community Engagement: Museums actively engage with their communities by organizing events, outreach programs, and collaborations with local organizations. They aim to be inclusive spaces that encourage dialogue, cultural exchange, and social cohesion. Museums often host public lectures, performances, festivals, and special events to foster connections between the institution and its surrounding communities.

Different Types of Museum Roles 

A career in museums generally involves working with, researching, and preserving cultural and historical artifacts and objects, as well as educating the public about these items and their significance. Below is an overview of different types of museum roles:

Curator: Curators are subject-matter experts responsible for the care, management, and interpretation of a museum’s collections. They conduct research, select and acquire objects, and oversee their preservation and exhibition. They curate exhibitions, developing compelling narratives and arranging objects in meaningful and engaging ways. Curators also collaborate with scholars, organize educational programs, and engage with the community to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the museum’s collections. Most curatorial positions require a PhD in a field relevant to the collection.

Collections Manager: Collection managers are detail-oriented professionals who oversee the organization, documentation, and care of a museum’s collections. They are in charge of inventorying the collections, tracking acquisitions and loans, and ensuring the proper storage and preservation of objects. They handle documentation, including cataloging and digitization, to maintain accurate records and are skilled in database management. They also collaborate with curators, conservators, and researchers to facilitate access to the collections for exhibitions, research, and educational purposes. Depending on the size the institution, there may be one or more collections managers responsible for a particular curatorial department or for the entire museum.

Registrar: Registrars are meticulous and organized professionals who manage the documentation, legalities, and logistical aspects of a museum’s collections. They oversee the acquisition, cataloging, and inventorying of objects, ensuring accurate records are maintained. Registrars handle loan agreements, insurance, and transportation arrangements for objects in the collection. They also facilitate the movement of objects for exhibitions, loans, and research.

Educator: Museum educators design and implement educational programs and activities. They develop engaging and interactive experiences to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the museum’s collections and exhibitions. Educators create curriculum-aligned programs for school groups, design and lead tours, and facilitate workshops that encourage hands-on learning. They collaborate with teachers, community organizations, and other museum staff to design inclusive and accessible educational initiatives.

Public Program Managers: Public program managers are creative and strategic professionals who oversee the planning, development, and execution of public programs and events. They collaborate with curators, educators, artists, and community partners to conceptualize and implement a diverse range of engaging activities, such as lectures, workshops, performances, and special events to curate thought-provoking and culturally enriching experiences that attract and engage diverse audiences. With expertise in project management, they handle logistics, budgeting, and marketing for the programs, ensuring smooth operations and effective promotion.

Exhibition Designer: Exhibition designers are creative professionals who design the layout and visual presentation of museum exhibits. They work closely with curators, educators, and other museum professionals to develop engaging and immersive exhibition experiences. They consider factors such as storytelling, visitor flow, accessibility, and lighting while creating the layout, display cases, interactive elements, and graphics within the exhibition space. They utilize their expertise in design principles, spatial planning, and multimedia integration to effectively communicate the exhibition’s themes and narratives.

Exhibition Project Manager: Exhibition project managers are organized professionals responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of museum exhibitions. With their expertise in project management, they ensure that exhibitions are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the museum’s standards of quality and visitor experience. Exhibition project managers collaborate with curators, exhibit designers, and various departments to establish project timelines, allocate resources, and manage budgets. They coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, such as artists, lenders, and contractors, to facilitate the necessary logistics and arrangements.

Program & Exhibit Evaluator: Program and exhibit evaluators assess the effectiveness and impact of museum programs and exhibitions. They design and conduct evaluation studies to gather data and feedback from visitors, assessing various aspects, such as educational value, visitor experience, accessibility, and overall satisfaction. They employ a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, and data analysis, to gather meaningful insights. Based on their findings, they provide recommendations and insights to improve program and exhibit development, design, and delivery.

Marketing & Public Relations Professional: Marketing and public relations professionals promote the museum and its offerings to the public. They develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to raise awareness, drive attendance, and enhance the museum’s brand image. They utilize channels such as social media, websites, email campaigns, print materials, and advertising to reach target audiences and engage the community. They collaborate with internal teams, curators, and educators to effectively communicate exhibition highlights, events, educational programs, and other museum initiatives. They also build relationships with media outlets, stakeholders, and community partners to generate positive press coverage and foster collaborations.

Editor: Editors ensure the accuracy, clarity, and quality of written content produced by the museum. They review and edit various materials, including exhibition labels, interpretive texts, catalogs, educational materials, and promotional content. Editors ensure that the content aligns with the museum’s style guidelines, maintaining consistency in tone, voice, and messaging. They carefully proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, while also paying attention to factual accuracy and appropriate language. Museum editors collaborate closely with curators, educators, and other museum professionals to refine and enhance the written materials, ensuring that they effectively communicate the museum’s narratives and engage visitors.

Development Officer: Development officers are strategic and relationship-oriented professionals who focus on fundraising and donor relations to support the financial sustainability of the museum. They develop and implement fundraising strategies, initiatives, and campaigns to secure financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities. Development officers cultivate relationships with potential donors, seeking out opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and philanthropic contributions. They also maintain relationships with existing donors, stewarding their support and ensuring continued engagement. They may also be involved in grant writing, organizing fundraising events, and overseeing membership programs.

Conservator & Scientific Researcher: Conservators focus on the care and preservation of the museum’s collections. They assess the condition of objects, develop conservation treatment plans, and employ specialized techniques to stabilize, repair, and protect objects from deterioration. Conservators also conduct scientific analysis and use advanced tools and materials to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural and historical objects. This role typically requires a specialized degree in conservation. Like conservators, scientific researchers employ various scientific methods and technologies to study objects. They investigate the materials, techniques, and history of use to deepen our understanding of them. They employ techniques such as spectroscopy, radiography, microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence to uncover hidden details, identify materials, determine production techniques, and reveal evidence of past use.

The particular institution and role best suited for you will depend on your unique skillsets, interests, and disciplinary expertise.

The Potential of Doctoral Students and Postdocs in Museums  

Doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows have expertise and skills that make them highly valuable in the museum field. Whether your degree is in the humanities, social sciences, or STEM fields, museums offer a range of different career pathways where you can apply your training. Below are some common transferable skills for museum roles:

Knowledge & Expertise: A deep understanding of your respective field, whether it be art, history, science, culture, or any other specialized area relevant to the museum’s collection is important for providing accurate and insightful information, ensuring the integrity of the museum’s content.

Research & Analysis: The ability to conduct research and analyze data and information is important for many museum roles, including curatorial, education, public programs, evaluation, marketing, development, and conservation and scientific research.

Communication: Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with visitors, preparing and presenting accessible information, and working with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders.

Interpersonal Skills: The ability to work well with others and build relationships is important for many museum roles, such as education or development.

Project management: Many museum roles involve coordinating and managing projects, so strong project management skills can be helpful.

Organizational skills: Strong organizational skills are crucial for museum roles that require the management and tracking of large numbers of objects and their associated data and records, such as collections management and registration.

Creativity: Museums often rely on creative approaches to engage visitors and communicate information, so creativity can be an asset in this field.

Job Application Tips for a Career in Museums 

As with any job application, when preparing to apply for a museum role you should carefully read the job description and tailor the language of your materials to mirror that used in the job ad. You should also spend some time researching the institution, including familiarizing yourself with its history, mission, and vision, as well as the individual staff members of the department you will be applying to.

Most museum roles require a resume and a cover letter to apply. If you are applying for a curatorial role, a hybrid resume/CV is preferred, as curators are expected to have produced original scholarship and are more closely tied to the academic world than most other museum professionals. Some positions may also require letters of recommendation and/or a writing sample or other relevant samples of your work. You can expect multiple rounds of interviews, and, depending on the role, you may be asked to demonstrate your particular skillset, for example interpreting one or more objects from the collection.

A strong museum resume and cover letter should demonstrate your familiarity with the institution, your alignment with its mission and vision, and your relevant knowledge, skills, and experiences. Below are some key elements to include on a museum resume:

A clear & concise summary statement: This should be a brief overview of your relevant background and key skills and achievements. It should clearly communicate that you meet the basic requirements for the job.

Knowledge of museum mission, vision, & practices: Familiarity with the history, mission, and vision of the museum, as well as best practices for whatever role you are applying for, can be helpful in this field. Be sure to clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with these aspects.

Education: List any relevant degrees or certifications. This is especially crucial for curatorial positions, which generally require a PhD. Many other museum roles also require or prefer some type of advanced degree.

Relevant work experience: This should include any previous roles in the museum industry, as well as any roles where you have developed transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to successfully do the job.  

Skills: In addition to specific museum-related skills, such as curating or education, be sure to highlight any relevant skills, such as research, analysis, communication, and project management.

Collaborations: Highlight any collaborative projects or initiatives you have been involved with, particularly those that are interdisciplinary. Museums depend on the successful collaboration of many different departments and individuals to fulfill its mission, so this experience is especially valued.

Accomplishments: Include any notable achievements, such as awards, publications, or contributions to exhibitions or other storytelling projects. If communication is an essential aspect of the role, it can also be beneficial to include any conference presentations or public talks.   

Professional Affiliations: List any professional organizations or societies you are a member of, as these can demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

Examples of Museums & Cultural Institutions

Below are some examples of museums and cultural institutions to help get you started with your job search.

Examples of Museums in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. Area:

• The Walters Art Museum (Baltimore)
• The Baltimore Museum of Art (Baltimore)
• The Visionary Arts Museum (Baltimore)
• The Maryland Science Center (Baltimore)
• The National Aquarium (Baltimore)
• The Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C.)       
• The National Museum of American History (Washington, D.C.)
• The National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C.)
• The National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.)       
• The National Air and Space Museum (Washington, D.C.) 
• The National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, D.C.) 
• The National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, D.C.)
• The National Portrait Gallery (Washington, D.C.)
• The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Washington, D.C.)
• The Freer Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.)
• The National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (Warren County, Virginia)

Additional Examples of Museums:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City)
• The Museum of Modern Art (New York City)
• The American Museum of Natural History (New York City)
• The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago)
• The Field Museum (Chicago)
• The Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
• The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Boston)
• The Getty Center (Los Angeles)
•  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Los Angeles)
• The British Museum (London)
• The Louvre (Paris)

Examples of Cultural Preservation Organizations:

• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Heritage Preservation
• World Monuments Fund
• The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)
• International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
• The Getty Conservation Institute
• The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty (UK)