Assistant Curator

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The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Position Summary

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Architecture and Design holds one of the largest museum collections of architectural drawings in the United States. This collection encompasses sizable bodies of work by modern architects, including Louis Sullivan, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg and Bruce Goff, as well as other significant historical collections dating from the mid 19th century to the 1980s. As the department continues to grow its holdings of contemporary architecture and design, we seek to find new ways to align our historical collections with the department’s commitment to produce new and more inclusive narratives that resonate with contemporary issues and curatorial practices.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Harold and Margot Schiff Curator of Architecture and Design, and working alongside the Architecture and Design department and exhibitions staff across the museum, the Research Associate supports the curator with research, writing, and coordination for the exhibition Bruce Goff: Beyond Architecture (working title), which will be on view at the museum fall 2025-winter 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct curatorial exhibition research on Bruce Goff in the Art Institute’s Art and Architecture Archives, Research Center, and other institutions as needed.
In consultation with the curator and project manager, develop and manage the exhibition checklist.
With the curator, identify and make plans for potential loaned works to the exhibition.
In consultation with the curator, conservators, and exhibition designer, make detailed notes regarding condition and presentation of objects.
With curator, work to develop exhibition labels, press materials, catalogue essays, and provide research support for other catalogue contributors.
With the exhibition manager, maintain museum database records related to works in the exhibition, track Imaging orders, coordinate loans and write loan letters.
With the curator, provide support and materials for editorial, design, and other Stakeholder meetings
With the curator and project manager, support planning for additional exhibition venues as needed.
Maintain files for correspondence and all inquiries related to the exhibition.
As needed, prepare gallery tours and lectures and participate in scholarly symposia/conferences related to the exhibition
With the curator, supervise interns as needed.
Under the direction of the curator and chair, may support various aspects of curatorial work in the department, including research for and the preparation of materials for advisory committee meetings, developing and implementing gallery rotations, and other projects as assigned.