Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, one of Europe’s leading museum institutions, responsible for managing major collections across the Pinakothek der Moderne and other state museums in Bavaria. The organization oversees a vast and historically significant body of modern and contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and design.
Within its structure, the Pinakothek der Moderne functions as one of the largest multidisciplinary museum spaces in Europe, integrating four major collections: modern art, graphic arts, architecture, and design. The Modern Art Collection alone comprises over 20,000 works, with a strong emphasis on German and French classical modernism, including Expressionism, Cubism, Bauhaus, Surrealism, and New Objectivity.
The institution is strongly research-driven and actively develops curatorial projects, exhibitions, and publications that connect historical collections with contemporary artistic discourse. It also regularly collaborates with foundations such as the Theo Wormland Foundation to support guest curatorial positions and research-based exhibition development.
Title & Description
Guest Curator of Modern Art – Pinakothek der Moderne (m/f/d)
This is a 3-year fixed-term guest curatorial position focused on the development of a research-based exhibition and publication project within the Modern Art Collection of the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich.
The role is designed for an experienced art historian or curator specializing in 20th-century art, particularly classical modernism. The selected candidate will independently conceive and implement a curatorial project grounded in the museum’s collection, with a strong emphasis on academic research, publication output, and a final public exhibition.
The position encourages deep engagement with canonical movements such as Expressionism, Cubism, Bauhaus, and Surrealism, while also contributing to contemporary curatorial discourse. It is both a scholarly and exhibition-driven role, requiring a balance between academic research and public-facing curatorial practice.
The Role Overview
- Position: Guest Curator of Modern Art
- Institution: Bavarian State Painting Collections / Pinakothek der Moderne
- Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term (36 months)
- Salary: TV-L E13 (German public sector pay scale)
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Reporting To: Head of Classical Modern Art Collection (Pinakothek der Moderne)
- Programme Context: Curatorial research, exhibition development, publication project in modern art
Position & Tasks
The selected guest curator will be responsible for independently developing a comprehensive research and exhibition project based on the museum’s holdings in classical modern art.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing an original curatorial concept based on the Modern Art Collection
- Conducting in-depth Art History research focused on 20th-century modernism
- Developing and editing a scholarly publication accompanying the project
- Conceptualizing and organizing a final public exhibition at the Pinakothek der Moderne
- Collaborating closely with the Head of the Classical Modern Art Collection
- Engaging with international research networks and academic discourse
- Managing curatorial planning, exhibition structure, and interpretative frameworks
- Ensuring the integration of collection-based research into public exhibition formats
- Contributing to the museum’s ongoing curatorial and scholarly programming
This position requires both independent academic work and institutional collaboration, making it a hybrid role between research, curation, and exhibition production.
Categories
- Curatorial
- Art History
- Exhibition
- Visual Arts
- Research
- Publication
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
Applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Advanced academic degree in Art History (Master’s, Magister Artium, or PhD preferred)
- Strong specialization in 20th-century art, particularly classical modernism
- Proven experience in curatorial or art-historical research projects
- Publication experience in academic or museum contexts
- Familiarity with modern art discourse and international scholarship
- Experience in exhibition development and realization
- Strong written and spoken German and excellent English (additional languages are an advantage)
- Experience working with museum databases (e.g., M+, RIA systems)
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
- High motivation, independence, and research initiative
- Open to international applicants with relevant qualifications
Program Benefits
- Full-time salaried position under TV-L E13 public sector framework
- 36-month fixed-term guest curatorial appointment
- Opportunity to develop a major research-based exhibition project
- Publication support as part of the curatorial contract
- Access to one of the most important modern art collections in Europe
- Institutional support from a major museum network
- Flexible working arrangements and partial remote work options
- Pension scheme and additional public sector benefits
- Opportunity for high-level international curatorial networking
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover letter outlining motivation and curatorial approach
- Full CV (academic and professional experience)
- Academic certificates and qualifications
- Proof of relevant curatorial and research experience
- Publication samples (if available)
- A detailed project proposal (maximum 5,000 characters) outlining the exhibition, research, and publication concept
- Language proficiency documentation (German and English)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 07 June 2026
- Contract Duration: 36 months
- Start Date: As soon as possible after selection
- Interview Period: Not specified (shortlisted candidates only)
- Project Timeline: Full curatorial project to be completed within the contract period
Location
Munich, Germany
Additional Details
This guest curatorial position is highly research-oriented and is designed to produce both a scholarly publication and a major exhibition outcome. The project is expected to contribute significantly to the museum’s interpretation of classical modernism and its ongoing curatorial strategy.
The role emphasizes intellectual independence, curatorial authorship, and engagement with international art historical debates. It is particularly suited for candidates who combine academic rigor with curatorial experience in museum contexts.