Gallery Guide

Guggenheim; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,904,000 - 75,768,000; Full time

Job summary

Guggenheim in New York seeks Gallery Guides who balance security responsibilities with visitor engagement, protecting artworks while welcoming guests.

Training on New York State security regulations and exhibition content ensures staff can respond professionally and foster meaningful conversations with the public.

This full-time, non-exempt role requires weekend availability and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment, and initiative.
• Experience with security issues is a plus.
• Experience working with the public (e.g.customer service, retail, teaching) is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of artwork in the museum in accordance with established security procedures.
• Ensure the safety of visitors and staff on the museum’s premises.
• Secure various posts throughout the Museum and assist with posts as needed.
• Invite and discuss visitor comments and questions about current exhibitions and the museum.
• Prepare for all exhibitions with knowledge of curatorial content and museum education practices.
• Attend department meetings and remain aware of policy updates.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Public interaction

Education

High School Diploma

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.

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.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Gallery Guides serve a unique dual role as security professionals and visitor engagement facilitators, creating an environment where artwork is protected and visitors feel welcomed to engage with it. As frontline staff, Gallery Guides safeguard the museum’s collection while fostering meaningful, one-on-one conversation that encourage curiosity, dialogue, and personal connections with art. Gallery Guides receive training in New York State security regulations, visitor engagement techniques, and exhibition content. They consistently demonstrate professionalism, situational awareness, and exceptional customer service in every interaction with visitors and colleagues.

SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment, and initiative.
• Experience with security issues is a plus.
• Experience working with the public (e.g.customer service, retail, teaching); knowledge of art history, studio art, and art education a plus but notrequired.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Ensure the safety of artwork in the museumin accordance withestablished security procedures such as keeping visitors at prescribed distances from artwork,monitoringthe flow of visitors in the galleries, and reporting any incident involving visitors touching or damaging artwork.
• Ensure the safety of visitors and staff on the museum’s premises (assist with evacuation during emergencies, perform fireguard duties as trained, and report problems, suspicious activity, and safety hazards to aSupervisor).
• Secure various posts throughout the Museum, including gallery spaces and ramps. May be asked toassistwith main door screening, coat room or other posts as needed.
• Invite and discuss visitor comments and questions about current exhibitions, the collection, the Frank Lloyd Wright building, the museum, and its history.
• Prepare for all exhibitions with thorough knowledge of curatorial content,museum education practices, and the work of various museum departments.
• Attend department meetings/huddles, read emails and departmental memos, and remain aware of all policy updates.

WORK DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENT

• Must be availabletowork weekends.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Ability toremain alert at all timesand to stand for multiple hours, including on an inclined surface.
• Ability to move stanchions, coatracksand bins.
• Embrace the museum’s core values of being Collaborative, Accountable, Experimental and Open.

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must qualify for the New York State Security Guard Certification andpossessa valid New York State ID (DMV-issued driver’s license or non-driver’s ID)
• Upon Hiring, the Guide will be asked to obtain electronic fingerprints,completeand pass the Guard Licensing class and exam to be conducted at the Museum

REPORTS TO

Associate Director, Security

LOCATION

1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128

WORK SCHEDULE

This is an in-person role; 40 hours a week. Schedule TBD

POSITION TYPE

Full-time, Non-Exempt.

SALARY RANGE

$23.00 an hour

Department: Security
This is a non-management position
This is a full-time position