Gallery Interpreter

Petersen Automotive Museum; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Petersen Automotive Museum is seeking a Gallery Interpreter to deliver engaging storytelling and 5-star service on the museum floor. You will host tours, share history behind exhibits, and guide visitors through interactive experiences.

You’ll work closely with Security and Operations to ensure a dynamic, safe environment while sharing passion for automotive culture. This role emphasizes guest engagement and education.

Qualifications

• Strong public communication and interpersonal skills.
• High learning agility to absorb automotive history and programs.
• Proficient with digital tools (Google Workspace, email) and interactive gallery tech; Canva is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging guided tours and interpret exhibits.
• Engage visitors and promote memberships and events.
• Maintain exhibit spaces and assist security with safety.
• Represent the team during private after-hours events.
• Assist with special museum functions.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Google Workspace

Canva

Education

Some college

Tools

Google Workspace

Canva

Job description

About Petersen Automotive Museum

We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world-class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day.

About Petersen Automotive Museum

We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world-class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day. At Petersen Automotive Museum, we work hard, move fast, and have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you’re ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way, you’ll fit right in.

About The Role

The Gallery Interpreter serves as the primary storyteller and host on the museum floor, delivering 5-star customer service to every visitor. This role brings our world-class exhibits to life through engaging, inquiry-based interpretation, guided tours, and interactive experiences. Working in close partnership with Museum Security, the Gallery Interpreter ensures a dynamic, safe, and enjoyable environment—protecting our legendary collection while sharing the passion and history behind it.

What You’ll Do

• Guest Engagement & Storytelling
  • Spark curiosity and deep engagement across all galleries—including special zones like the Forza Motorsports experience and the Vault—using inquiry-based interpretation techniques and interactive tools (iPads, activity materials, hands‑on aids).
  • Lead memorable guided tours and provide detailed insights into the museum's collection, history, and featured exhibitions.
  • Answer visitor questions, offer directions, and champion guest opportunities such as membership, upcoming events, and educational programs.
• Gallery Operations & Asset Protection
  • Maintain the daily presentation, cleanliness, and operational readiness of all exhibition spaces.
  • Collaborate with security staff to monitor gallery spaces, ensuring objects and resources are handled safely and encouraging visitors to help protect our rare collection.
  • Support special museum functions, with opportunities to represent the team as a Gallery Interpreter during private after‑hours events.

Who You Are

• Technical Qualifications
  • Strong public communication and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to connect with diverse audiences and keep guests engaged.
  • High learning agility to absorb, retain, and enthusiastically share knowledge about automotive history, museum exhibits, and ongoing programs.
  • Proficient with digital tools (Google Workspace, email) and interactive gallery tech; experience with design tools like Canva is a plus.
• Professional Attributes
  • A warm, service‑oriented host dedicated to delivering a 5-star visitor experience.
  • A proactive team player who thrives in a high-energy, public-facing environment and works seamlessly alongside security and operations staff.
  • Respectful and vigilant regarding the preservation and safe handling of collection objects and gallery assets.

What You Bring & Qualifications

• Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required:
  • 2 years of college experience preferred
• Minimum Experience required:
  • 1–2 years of experience in customer service, public speaking, teaching, or hospitality (museum/attraction experience preferred)

The Pay Range For This Role Is

20 - 20 USD per hour(Petersen Automotive Museum)