Organizer Information
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of the world’s leading art museums, founded in 1870 and dedicated to presenting more than 5,000 years of art from across the globe. Its two New York locations, The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters, serve millions of visitors, while its digital programs extend its collections and scholarship to international audiences. The Museum emphasizes respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity in its workplace and public programming.
Title & Description
Assistant Curator of African Art
The Met is seeking an Assistant Curator of African Art to contribute to the research, interpretation, documentation, presentation, and public communication of its extensive Africa collection. The position is based within the department responsible for the African art holdings of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing.
The collection spans works dating from the twelfth century to contemporary art and encompasses diverse artistic traditions connected to portraiture, dynastic succession, rites of passage, ancestor veneration, healing, divination, theatrical performance, religion, trade, and modernism. The successful candidate will conduct original research, contribute to exhibitions and collection displays, develop acquisition proposals, publish scholarship, and engage with professional and academic networks.
The Role Overview
- Position: Assistant Curator of African Art
- Contract Type: Full-time museum position
- Salary: $87,000–$92,000 annually
- Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, USA
- Department: African Art / Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
- Reporting: Works under the guidance of the Curator in Charge
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2026
- Job Requisition: JR-44127
- Application: Online through The Met's careers portal
- Experience Level: Assistant Curator; an Associate-level appointment may also be considered with an additional five years of experience.
Position & Tasks
The Assistant Curator will present, document, study, and communicate works in the collection to the public while developing original research within their area of expertise. Responsibilities include supporting and originating special exhibitions, proposing strategic acquisitions, preparing scholarly material for catalogues and digital publications, writing labels and other interpretive texts, and delivering professional and public presentations.
The position also involves developing collection rotations for the renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, maintaining collection information in the TMS database and online catalogue, training docents and educators, supporting interns and fellows, participating in fundraising and grant-writing activities, and cultivating relationships with museums, universities, research institutions, and international scholars.
Categories
- Visual Art
- African Art
- Museum Studies
- Curatorial Practice
- Art History
- Art Research
- Exhibition Curation
- Cultural Heritage
Eligibility
The opportunity is intended for experienced museum and curatorial professionals with a strong specialization relevant to African art. Applicants must have:
- A master's degree with specialization in their area of expertise; a PhD or equivalent is preferred.
- Demonstrated language skills.
- Experience working with museum collections, research, and curatorial activities.
- Experience originating research within their area of expertise.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, including familiarity with TMS, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Employees must be located within commuting distance of the Museum at the time of employment, specifically in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania.
Program Benefits
This is a salaried employment opportunity rather than a grant or residency. The advertised annual compensation is $87,000–$92,000, depending on factors including experience, education, qualifications, and other considerations.
Eligible employees may receive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with an optional matching plan; paid annual and sick leave; 13 Museum holidays; long-term disability coverage; flexible spending and health savings accounts; commuter benefits; financial-planning services; financial assistance for relevant professional education and training; staff discounts; a subsidized cafeteria; and access to the Museums Council pass providing free admission to participating museums and cultural institutions.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
- Posting: August 2026
- Employment: Full-time appointment; starting date is not specified in the provided listing.
Location
The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, United States
Additional Details
The position combines curatorial practice, scholarship, collection management, exhibition development, public engagement, acquisitions, and professional networking. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate both subject expertise and the ability to communicate research effectively to specialist and general audiences.
The Met states that it is committed to equal employment opportunity and the full inclusion of qualified individuals. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. The Museum also notes that candidates are not expected to meet every desired attribute in the posting and encourages qualified applicants to apply when the role substantially matches their experience.