A Career as a Museum Curator

Curators are professionals engaged in the collection, preservation, exhibition and investigative research of museum materials, together with associated work based on Museum Law. While specialized qualifications are needed to pursue a career as a museum curator, jobs in this area are by no means plentiful; often positions only become available when a new museum opens or when a successor is being sought for a current staff member.

Moreover, in recent years specialization has increased and there are many cases where job seekers in this area require a postgraduate degree. It is possible to get a foot in the door to museums and galleries by getting a civil service job after passing a general prefectural or municipal civil service exam, and then seeking opportunities to transfer to a curator position.

The knowledge of the systems and activities of art galleries and museums that is gained by studying for curator qualifications gives the student an understanding of the role that the history and culture of fine arts plays in society as well as the importance of sharing this understanding with the public. It is probably advisable to think of credentials in this area not so much as a way to get a job as a curator, but as a means to promote cultural awareness among in society.