Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Curator
What curators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a curator?
Research an object’s provenance. From there, the day usually includes research collections, recommend acquisitions, and plan exhibitions. Full time, with evening events.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a curator working full time.
- Research an object’s provenance.
- Meet the design team on an exhibit.
- Lunch with a donor.
- Write exhibit labels.
- Review a loan agreement.
- Give a gallery talk.
- Attend an opening.
Where curators work
Curators work in museums, galleries and historic sites.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with evening events.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Research collections
- Recommend acquisitions
- Plan exhibitions
- Write labels and catalogs
- Work with donors
- Coordinate loans
- Give public talks
Tools you’ll use every day
- Collections databases
- Research libraries
- Exhibit design software
- Presentation tools
- Cameras
- Spreadsheets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work with art and history
- Creative exhibitions
- Scholarship
- Public impact
What’s hard
- Competitive jobs
- Grad degree needed
- Modest pay at small museums
- Fundraising pressure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love art or history
- I like research
- I tell good stories
- I like working with donors
- I’m willing to do grad school
- I like public engagement
Not sure? Take the free Curator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Handle objects carefully
- Follow conservation rules
- Follow ethics on acquisitions
- Follow security procedures