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Museum studies, sometimes called museology, is the field that encompasses the ideas and issues involved
in the museum professionfrom the practical, day-to-day skills needed to operate a museum to theories
on the societal role of museums. from the Smithsonian Museum Studies home page
Museums, galleries, and cultural centers offer careers to a broad spectrum of students from a variety of
majors. There are museums for science and technology (space, aeronautics, computers), art, history,
education, architecture, aquariums, zoos, planetariums, transportation, nature, military, maritime,
culturally specific collections, arboretums and botanical gardens and more. Within a museum, gallery and
cultural center, there are jobs that cover a wide range of skills including: collections and stewardship,
interpretation and education, marketing and public relations, digital technologies, human resources,
financial stability/development, facilities and risk management, government and support organizations,
mission and institutional planning, research and reference. They are places where one can combine their
passion with their work, and the serve the public in preserving history and providing exciting educational
opportunities to generations. Museums, galleries and cultural centers exist all over the world, so global
opportunities are possible. The American Association of Museums web site estimates 17,500 museums in
the United States alone.
Explore the American Association of Museums Day in the Life a series of first-hand accounts on how
active museum professionals do their jobs.
Galleries and auction houses differ from museums in that their commercial focus is on the buying and
selling of objects, although they share many related aspects including an understanding and appreciation
of the objects and professional staff who must determine the value, authenticity, and provenance of items.
In addition, gallery and auction house staff must determine marketability of their merchandise and
collaborate to present it for maximum value at sale. Galleries differ in what they buy and sell, and whether
they specialize in particular types of objects or represent individual artists. Galleries owners earn profits
through sales. Auction houses are often engaged by individuals/groups wishing to authenticate, appraise,
and/or sell their items. Auction houses will handle all aspects of selling the object(s) in question and
charge a fee or commission (often based on selling price) for their services.
A cultural center or cultural centre is an organization, building or complex that promotes culture and
arts. Cultural centers can be neighborhood community arts organizations, private facilities, governmentsponsored, or activist-run. From Wikipedia
Resume tips
Internships are an excellent way to explore careers in museums, galleries, and cultural centers. Gaining
experience via an internship is recommended for those considering museum careers. Volunteering is also
another avenue to gain exposure. Museums rely heavily on volunteers who give of their time due to their
love of the museum focus, and it is an excellent way to gain experience.
Keep in mind that for entry-level staff, the salaries in museums are not as high as in other career fields.
Also, museums can be reliant on donations and admission receipts. Check the latest Occupational
Handbook salary information.
Museum Resources
ArtInfo.com find a museum search tool | gallery guide search tool | jobs/internships
American Association of Museums (AMA): includes information on museums and
a find museum search tool
The Association of Art Museum Curators
Historic New England
International Council of Museums: Currently comprised of 18 affiliated organizations spanning a range of
areas including: The International Association of Transport and Communications Museums, The
International Association of Libraries and the Museums of the Performing Arts, and the International
Congress of Maritime Museums and programs including: Cultural Tourism, Art and Cultural Heritage
Mediation, and Intangible Heritage.
Their list of online directories of international museums:
European Museum Guide
MuseumLand.com
Virtual Library Museums Pages
123World
New England Museum Association
Smithsonian Center for Museum Studies:
Smithsonian List of Museum Studies: Information for Museum Professionals and Scholars
Employment Opportunities
Training Programs in the United States
International Training
Training by Discipline
Index of Training Programs
Museum Related Organzations
Galleries and Auction House Resources
Art Auction Houses
Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA): Collectors Guide | members directory
ArtInfo.com find a museum search tool | gallery guide search tool | jobs/internships
Christies | job opportunities | Christies Education
Sothebys | Sothebys Institute of Art
Be the Difference Center for Work and Service Green Hall 441 www.wellesley.edu/CWS