Assistant Curator, American Painting & Drawing

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Institution: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Location: New York, NY, USA
Department: American Wing
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: $85,000–$90,000 annually
Location Requirement: Must reside in NY, NJ, CT, or PA

The Met is hiring an Assistant Curator with expertise in 18th- and 19th-century American painting and drawing. The role supports research, interpretation, acquisitions, installations, and public programming within the American Wing, which encompasses over 20,000 works by makers from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and refine the collection
• Contribute to new gallery installations and accompanying publications
• Develop interpretive content for exhibitions and gallery texts
• Support acquisition strategies and donor relations
• Lead tours, talks, and training sessions
• Engage with local and global scholarly communities
• Support DEIA initiatives

Candidate Profile

• PhD (or ABD) in Art History or American Studies
• 2–5 years of curatorial or museum experience
• Strong record of scholarship and public engagement
• Experience with DEIA-focused programming and interpretation
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills