Curators maintain and restore collections of art and other objects, such as gems, insects, artefacts, and historic clothing. In addition to ensuring the physical preservation of the collection, they document and classify each piece by taking careful measurements, noting distinguishing features, and preparing precise descriptions.

Acquiring new items to add to their collections may be another responsibility of the curator. For example, the curator of an art exhibit might attend auctions, or visit artists, art dealers, and potential donors. These acquisitions can involve a great deal of travel.

Curators often need to research the items they are dealing with. The results of this research can be published in books, articles, and brochures. Depending on the institution they work at, and the nature of their research, curators may also give lectures, classes, and guided tours.

Another important duty of curators is creating exhibits of their collections for the public. These shows involve a great deal of planning and organization. Curators decide in which rooms the items (such as pottery, maps, or moon rocks) will be presented, whether the rooms will have to be redesigned or repainted, and what kind of lighting will be used. They also decide how the items will be transported and arranged. It is their job to direct and supervise the people who carry out these tasks, and they may also be responsible for publicizing the shows in the local media.

Curators normally specialize in a certain subject area, such as contemporary or Renaissance art, Egyptian pottery, Victorian clothing, dinosaurs, insects, or suits of armour. Their area of expertise depends on their educational background.

As they gain more experience and seniority, curators often take on more responsibilities. Duties such as scheduling, budgeting, managing, and fundraising can take up a large part of a senior-level curator’s day.

In addition to being curators, people in this field may also be scientists, such as paleobiologists, mineral scientists, entomologists, or botanists.

NOC Code: 5112

Search by Cluster