The Bavarian State Painting Collections are seeking a Guest Curator of Classical Modernism for the Modern Art Collection at the Pinakothek der Moderne (m/f/d)
Full-time, pay grade 13 TV-L, to start as soon as possible on a fixed-term contract for three years
The Collection of Classical Modernism at the Pinakothek der Moderne is one of the most significant collections of the first half of the 20th century in the German-speaking world with a focus on German and French Expressionist painting (Fauves, Brücke, Der Blaue Reiter). The collection’s highlight is the most extensive European collection of works by Max Beckmann, comprising 37 paintings; it also includes 50 works by artists of the ‘Brücke’ and their circle. Other outstanding features include the Paul Klee collection and the Surrealist holdings, as well as masterpieces from the fields of Cubism, the Bauhaus and New Objectivity.
The Modern Art Collection, comprising over 20,000 works of art, is an active part of the multidisciplinary program of the Pinakothek der Moderne, which, in conjunction with the disciplines of prints and drawings, architecture and design, ranks among Europe’s largest institutions for 20th- and 21st-century art and design and stages an extraordinary variety of exhibitions.
The Modern Art Collection is characterized by a passion for contemporary art and enables visitors to engage with modern and contemporary art in an inspiring and intensive way – in an inviting, open and accessible manner.
The Theo Wormland Foundation has already supported numerous exhibitions, publications and guest curatorial positions within the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
Your Responsibilities
Working independently and in close consultation with the Chief Curator of the Classical Modernism Collection, you will develop an original, museum-specific research and exhibition project in the field of Classical Modernism, tailored to the holdings and focal points of the Modern Art Collection, which will be accompanied by a publication and culminate in a public-oriented exhibition at the Pinakothek der Moderne within the three-year contract period.
Your Qualifications
You hold a postgraduate degree in art history (PhD, MA) with a focus on the 20th century, preferably Classical Modernism, as well as
- Relevant experience, ideally spanning several years, with art-historical research projects and publications, preferably in Classical Modernism,
- Excellent knowledge of current art-historical discourse and recent research in the field of Modernist painting and sculpture, as well as a broad network of experts,
- Experience in the conception and realization of exhibition projects,
- Good written and spoken German and very good written and spoken English, as well as, if possible, a further foreign language,
- Good knowledge of MS Office and experience with museum databases such as M+ RIA,
- Ability to work in a team, strong communication skills, high motivation and initiative,
- Ability to work under pressure, flexibility and a high degree of reliability,
- as well as excellent coordination and organizational skills.
Pinakothek der Moderne Offers
- a varied, inspiring, creative and responsible role in one of the world’s largest museums of modern and contemporary art,
- the opportunity to independently develop and implement a multifaceted research, publication and exhibition project within one of the most significant German-speaking collections of classical modernism,
- an attractive salary in line with the public sector pay scale,
- a good work-life balance through flexible working hours and the option of remote working within the scope of the role,
- attractive benefits: e.g. a company pension scheme,
- a one-off annual bonus.
The employment relationship is governed by the collective agreement for the public sector of the federal states (TV-L). Provided the personal and contractual requirements are met, appointment and classification will be in pay grade 13 TV-L at the highest level.
The position is in principle suitable for part-time work, provided that the full-time performance of duties is ensured through job-sharing.
Equality for all employees is important to us. We therefore welcome applications from people regardless of their cultural or social background, age, religion, beliefs, disability or sexual identity. This position is suitable for people with severe disabilities. Applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration where candidates are otherwise of essentially equal suitability, ability and professional merit.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions regarding the advertised role, please contact Director of Collections Dr. Oliver Kase at oliver.kase@pinakothek.de
How to Apply
If you are interested, please submit your detailed application documents (cover letter, CV, relevant certificates) by 07.06.2026 exclusively via Interamt (ID 1440983). In addition to your cover letter, CV and relevant certificates, please submit a detailed project outline (max. 5,000 characters including spaces) setting out your ideas for research, publication and exhibition projects.
Applications sent by email cannot be considered for data protection reasons.
Please note that travel expenses and other costs incurred for a potential interview will not be covered.
We look forward to receiving your application!
