CHANEL Culture Fund Curatorial Fellowship

Guggenheim New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 66,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Guggenheim New York invites applications for a one-year curatorial fellowship funded by CHANEL Culture Fund. The fellow will gain exposure to the museum’s operational structure and receive rigorous training in curatorial practice, with an emphasis on early 20th century art and international collaboration.

Responsibilities include scholarly research, exhibition histories, interpretive materials, and public programs.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or PhD candidate in Art History.
• Previous museum curatorial experience is preferred.
• Background in early and/or mid 20th century art.
• Computer skills and proficiency with collection-management databases (TMS) and Microsoft Office (Outlook/SharePoint/Word/Excel).
• Fluency in English and Italian.
• Excellent verbal and written communications with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scholarly research on works in the collection, presentation, and provenance using archival, library, and digital sources.
• Research and compile exhibition and publication histories of artworks.
• Collaborate with Conservation Department staff on research and documentation.
• Provide in-depth research on artists and artworks for upcoming exhibitions.
• Develop interpretive materials for gallery texts, labels, and scholarly content.
• Contribute to curatorial content for the museum’s website and digital platforms.
• Assist in installation support for exhibitions.
• Lead in-gallery guided tours for diverse audiences.

Skills

English fluency

Italian fluency

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s/PhD in Art History

Tools

The Museum System (TMS)

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are Guggenheim, a global constellation of museums unlike any other in the world. Four museums on three continents, united by the power of groundbreaking art to connect us to ourselves and to each other. Since our founding in 1937, the Guggenheim has introduced, celebrated and brought to the public the newest voices and visions in modern and contemporary art. When Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hilla Rebay set out to share the joy they first experienced in discovering experimental art, they initiated the creative risk‑taking that is today synonymous with “Guggenheim” throughout the world. Across the globe, each Guggenheim stands not just as a backdrop for visionary art but as masterpieces in and of themselves to experience.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is pleased to offer a one-year curatorial fellowship, generously made possible by CHANEL Culture Fund. The fellowship offers exposure to the operational structure of the multinational museum, as well as rigorous practical museum training experience to individuals interested in pursuing careers in the curatorial field. Rooted in shared values of cultural stewardship and mentorship, the fellowship reflects the Guggenheim’s and CHANEL Culture Fund’s commitment to sustaining the future of art through research, education, and public engagement.

SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s Degree or PhD candidate in Art History
• Previous museum curatorial experience is preferred
• Background in early and/or mid 20th century art
• Computer skills and advanced proficiency with database software including collection management databases (The Museum System (TMS)) and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, and Excel)
• Fluency in English and Italian
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct scholarly research on works in the museum collection, their presentation, and related themes, artists, artworks, and provenance using archival, library, and digital sources.
• Research and compile exhibition and publication histories of artworks.
• Participate in object-based and conservation-related research, including the documentation of materials and techniques in collaboration with Conservation Department staff.
• Provide in-depth research on artists and artworks included in upcoming exhibitions.
• Contribute to the development of interpretive materials, including gallery texts, labels, and other scholarly content intended for both general and specialist audiences.
• Assist in the development and updating of curatorial and research-based content for the museum’s website and digital platforms, ensuring accuracy and a balance of scholarly rigor and accessibility.
• Provide support during installation of the exhibition Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector.
• Lead in-gallery guided tours of both the collection and temporary exhibitions for a range of audiences.

PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION (PGC)

• Provide support during reinstallation of the museum collection.
• The fellow may also participate in the educational activities of the PGC’s International Fellowship Program (seminars, conferences, study trips in and outside Venice, and guided tours specifically organized to facilitate practice, discussion, and deepening of academic and professional skills).

WORK DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to travel within the NY metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties
• Ability to travel internationally, including travel to Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, Italy
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays on occasion.

EDUCATION

• Master’s Degree or PhD candidate in Art History

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

N/A

REPORTS TO

In Guggenheim New York, Senior Director of Collections and Senior Curator.

LOCATION

1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128 and Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, Italy

WORK SCHEDULE

Hours vary based on position. This is a one-year fixed-term position, starting January 2027.

POSITION TYPE

Full-time, Exempt. This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2110 UAW.

SALARY RANGE

$65,775.80 - $68,000 Annually

The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution. We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience. The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.