Exploring Further

 

The following links directly relate to ideas raised in this unit. Pre-selected for teachers and students, these web resources can be used to fuel class discussions and projects, as well as students' independent web explorations.

Share related links you think other teachers or students might like.

http://edu.moca.org/sites/default/files/cas_images/blue%20version.jpg

More About Museum Jobs

Read the full versions of entertaining interviews with staff members from The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, to learn about how they got to be where they are, what a typical day is like, and what their role is at MOCA.

  • Chief Curator (one of the top museum officials who decides which exhibitions the museum will show)
  • Senior Manager of Visitor Experience (who makes sure people have positive experiences at MOCA)
  • Registrar (responsible for ensuring the safety and care of artwork)
  • Security officer (who makes sure both visitors and artworks are safe while at MOCA)
  • Educator (one of the people who leads tours to visitors like you)
 

Also, visit the Smithsonian Institution’s Career Center for brief explanations of the duties and skills needed for a variety of museum jobs.

Virtual Trips to Museums: Interactive Sites

Explore some interactive museum collections:

  • Investigate the Tate Museum's tremendous art collection and make your own virtual collection there (Tate Museum).
  • Check out virtual art collections at the Seattle Art Museum (Seattle Art Museum).
  • See 360 degree views as you virtually wander through the Smithsonian (Smithsonian).
 

What if I Want to Start a Museum?

 

Meeting Museum People

If there is a museum of any kind in your community, see if a director or curator could come to your class and talk about: collections, curating an exhibition, research and writing, working with the public. Have your students develop a list of questions, including:

  • What’s the best part of working in a museum?
  • What are the challenges?
  • How did you get started in museum work?
  • What is your favorite part of the collection, favorite object, or favorite exhibit?
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More Museums

If you develop an interest in a certain type of museum, there are web resources and directories for research.  Here are a few: