Assistant/Associate Curator, European and American Art Before 1900

Denver Art Museum Inc; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 53,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision plans

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off + holidays

403(b) retirement plan

Telehealth and EAP

Family Membership & perks

Free yoga

Job summary

The Denver Art Museum seeks an Assistant/Associate Curator for European and American Art Before 1900 to study and care for a 3,000+ artwork collection. You will develop exhibitions, publish research, and present lectures, while collaborating with collectors, curators, and cultural partners to broaden reach and impact.

You'll coordinate publications, coordinate staff, and contribute to traveling exhibitions, with a focus on inclusive programming and audience engagement.

Qualifications

• MA required (minimum), preferably in a related field.
• Three or more years as a curator, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in fundraising and solid public-speaking abilities.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of another European language desirable (French/German).

Responsibilities

• Study, care for, display, publish, and conduct provenance research on the DAM’s European and American art collections.
• Build and refine the collections and collaborate with collectors, patrons, curatorial colleagues, and cultural organizations to generate exhibitions, publications, and public programs.
• Prepare and give lectures, tours, and workshops to the public, professional colleagues, and other groups.
• Coordinate department support staff, volunteers, and contract workers, as necessary.
• Assist with the organization of department exhibitions and coordination of traveling exhibitions.
• Collaborate with interpretive specialists and designers on galleries and exhibitions.
• Work with Learning and Engagement colleagues to evaluate interpretive strategies and audience engagement.
• Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in operations and programming.

Skills

Public speaking

Research

Networking

Fundraising

Language skills

Education

MA degree in related field

Job description

Assistant/Associate Curator, European and American Art Before 1900 (Full-Time, Exempt)Why Join Us?Bring your creative ideas and extensive knowledge of European and American art before 1900 to our dynamic team. In support of the department’s distinguished work, you will elevate our regional, national, and international prominence through exhibitions, research, lectures, symposia, and publications. Your research experience and networks will help build programs that extend beyond the department and raise the profile of the museum.Through thoughtful, inclusive interpretations of art objects, you will appeal to new and diverse audiences. Your work will include researching, interpreting, and presenting the DAM’s pre-1900 collection including more than 3,000 artworks-paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. This position reports to and collaborates with the Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Head of European and American Art before 1900.Position type: This position will be covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU.Pay: The hiring salary range for the position of Assistant/Associate Curator is $53,000-$83,200 based on experience.Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, that can be extended to domestic partner, spouse, and children. DAM 100% paid Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability. Generous sick and vacation paid- time off, and two personal days. Ten paid holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and those who meet the requirements after one year will qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program Free Telehealth and Employee Assistance Program. Free DAM Family Membership and many perks, free yoga for one. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has a pay-to-park option. Discounted parking is available. Free RTD Eco Pass.What You’ll DoStudy, care for, display, publish, and conduct provenance research on the DAM’s European and American art collections.Under the supervision of the Head of department, build and refine the collections and collaborate with collectors, patrons, curatorial colleagues, and cultural organizations to generate exhibitions, publications, and public programs.Prepare and give lectures, tours, and workshops to the public, professional colleagues, and other groups.Help create and coordinate departmental publications and presentations, press materials, and written information pertaining to departmental projects; conduct research when requested.Coordinate department support staff, volunteers, and contract workers, as necessary.Assist with the organization of department exhibitions and coordination of traveling exhibitions.Work collaboratively with interpretive specialists and designers in the development, creation, interpretation, and installation of permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions.Work with Learning and Engagement colleagues to use evaluation tools for ongoing assessment and refinement of interpretive strategies and audience engagement.In collaboration with the development department, cultivate funding for acquisitions, exhibitions, research grants, and fellowships through association with professional organizations, foundations, and patrons on regional, national, and international levels.Foster, cultivate, and preserve a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through respectful communication and partnerships.Perform additional duties as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.Consistent usage of the Racial Equity Lens in day-to-day operations as well as program development and decision-making.What We’re Looking forThorough knowledge of European and/or American art before 1900.Passionate interest in European and American culture, history, religions, and traditions.National and international network of professional colleagues, collectors, dealers, and artists; must be willing to travel.A record of exhibitions and publications.Experience in fundraising and solid public-speaking abilities.Must have excellent command of spoken and written English, able to generate content in English for broad audiences. Proficiency in another European language and research capability in French and German desirable.MA required (minimum), preferably in a related field.Three or more years as a curator, or equivalent professional experience.Experience in museum installations and collaborative projects.Experience in editing publications.Work EnvironmentThe department of European and American Art Before 1900 oversees a collection that includes more than 3,000 artworks and is composed of painting, sculpture, and works on paper, with significant strengths in early Italian Renaissance, 19th century French painting, and British art from 1400 to 1900.Office work environment as well as time in collection storage, libraries, and public exhibition spaces.What to Expect from Our Hiring ProcessWe know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of our process.This role will require a phone/video screen interview and, if needed, an interview with the hiring panel held in-person at the DAM.Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding application status.Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted directly.Application Deadline: October 30th, 2026Who We AreAt the Denver Art Museum, we are deeply committed to standing against discrimination, violence, and hate in all forms against any individual or group. And we remain focused on fostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out.The museum serves as a platform for creative expression and community well-being by collecting and presenting work by artists from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those communities that have been historically underrepresented in museums. We give space to a wide range of artist voices by sharing the work of and collaborating with artists and creatives from all races, backgrounds, and identities.We believe that art and creativity have the power to promote mutual understanding and highlight our shared humanity—connecting, inspiring, and empowering people and communities. The museum’s board of trustees, volunteers, and staff remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and making the Denver Art Museum an inclusive and diverse place where everyone always feels welcome.