
Associate Curator, American Painting and Drawing
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Location: New York City, NY
Salary Range: $90,000 – $95,000 annually
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is seeking an Associate Curator of American Painting and Drawing to contribute to the research, study, and interpretation of the museum’s vast collection of 18th- and 19th-century American art, with a focus on landscape painting. The curator will be responsible for developing innovative exhibitions, conducting scholarly research, and maintaining productive relationships with museum colleagues, donors, and external collaborators.
The American Wing at The Met holds one of the most comprehensive collections of North American art, with over 20,000 works by African American, Latin American, Native American, Asian American, and Euro-American artists. The successful candidate will join a team of over 20 colleagues in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct innovative research and contribute to the interpretation of the collection.
- Propose and organize exhibitions and gallery installations, some with accompanying publications.
- Collaborate with curators, conservators, and communities on acquisitions and collection assessment.
- Write scholarly and interpretive materials, including gallery texts and museum publications.
- Build and maintain relationships with collectors, donors, and academic institutions.
- Lead exhibition tours, gallery talks, and contribute to public programs and educational initiatives.
- Mentor interns and fellows and participate in DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access) initiatives.
- Assist with donor cultivation and fundraising efforts for acquisitions and exhibitions.
- Contribute to the Museum’s mission of engaging broad international audiences through public lectures, symposia, and other forms of engagement.
Requirements:
- PhD (or ABD) in Art History or American Studies.
- 5-7 years of museum experience with a strong record of scholarly research and publication.
- Expertise in American painting and drawing from the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly landscape painting.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion initiatives.
- Experience in organizing complex exhibitions and public-facing projects.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a large institution.
- Experience with donor cultivation and building relationships with collectors.
For more information and to apply, visit the official Met Museum Careers Page.