Curator: Old Masters

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Curator: Old Masters – Kunstmuseum Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Starting 01.01.2026 or by agreement
Contract duration of 5 years

The Kunstmuseum Basel is seeking a Curator for its Old Masters Collection (up to c. 1800). This position entails overseeing the research, care, and development of the collection, including making proposals for acquisitions. The role also involves curating special and rotating exhibitions, ensuring proper inventory and cataloging of new acquisitions, managing relationships with art institutions, donors, collectors, and sponsors, and leading the Old Masters department, including guiding an assistant curator and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

Collection Management: Independent research and care of the Old Masters collection, proposing acquisitions to enhance the collection.
Exhibition Development: Designing and realizing innovative special exhibitions, rotating displays, and related publications.
Inventory and Cataloging: Cataloging new acquisitions and managing loan requests to the art commission.
Relationship Management: Maintaining professional ties with art institutions, universities, collectors, art dealers, donors, and sponsors.
Leadership: Managing the department, including administrative, financial, and staff leadership, and overseeing exhibition teams.

Requirements

Experience: Proven experience in museum work, exhibitions, and expertise in Old Masters, along with familiarity with contemporary societal debates, diversity, and inclusion. Experience in acquiring third-party funding is expected.
Personality: A flexible, resilient team player with excellent organizational and communication skills, self-confidence, independence, reliability, and creativity.
Education: Master’s degree in Art History with a doctorate focusing on European art from the 15th to the 18th century.
Languages: Proficient in German and English, both written and spoken; French is desirable. Excellent public speaking and writing skills are essential.

About the Institution

The Kunstmuseum Basel, associated with the Presidential Department, houses the world’s oldest public art collection. It offers a dynamic range of exhibitions and programs across its three buildings. With over 230 employees, it ranks among the largest and most prestigious museums in Switzerland, contributing significantly to the cultural diversity of the Basel region.