Assistant or Associate Curator of Contemporary Architecture

Department of Architecture and Design:

The worlds first curatorial department devoted to architecture and design was established in 1932 at The Museum of Modern Art. From its inception the collection has been built on the recognition that architecture and design are allied and interdependent so that synthesis has been a founding premise of the collection. The architecture collection encompasses a range of objects including architectural drawings models and architectural fragments as well as digital renderings and architectural photographs. Both the Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright Archives are also included in its holdings. Overall the diverse collection surveys major figures movements and objects from the late 19th century to the present. Having traditionally been focused on Western and Northern Europe and to some degree Latin America the department in recent years has emphasized a more global perspective as it builds a vibrant collection for the Museum in the 21st century.

Position summary:

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for an Assistant or Associate Curator of Contemporary Architecture. Reporting to the Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design the Assistant/Associate Curators role will include: managing the architecture collection expanding and deepening Museum holdings through acquisitions; organizing exhibitions and programs particularly in relation to the contemporary architecture collection (since 1990); authoring exhibition catalogues and other publications; supervising and mentoring junior staff; thinking strategically about departmental and institutional goals; producing significant scholarship; cultivating relationships within the Museum and in the architecture community in New York City as well as at the regional and national levels.

Responsibilities:

Collection:

• Manages the architecture collection including developing a deep knowledge of it and serving as point person and expert for all projects related to contemporary architecture.
• Considers researches and recommends potential gifts or purchases of contemporary architecture works to the Chief Curator and presents to the Committee on Architecture and Design.
• Organizes innovative gallery presentations and special exhibitions dedicated to the Museum Collection with specific focus on collection-based rotations.
• At the discretion of the Chief Curator represents the Department on Museum committees and at policy/planning meetings within the Museum.

Exhibitions:

• Works closely with the Chief Curator in developing conceptual frameworks for exhibitions acquisition priorities publication proposals and public programming.
• Conceptualizes and implements the Architecture Now gallery display every three years. Handles commissioning of new works and all relevant arrangements with internal Museum staff and architect participants.
• Working with relevant staff across the Museum researches investigates and organizes temporary and collection exhibitions with Chief Curator support and Exhibition Committee approval; produces and oversees exhibition budgets; obtains loans; assumes responsibility for exhibition research and team coordination etc.
• Works with the Publications Department to produce catalogues and other written materials to accompany exhibitions. When appropriate solicits essays for MoMA publications from scholars in the field.
• Collaborates with the departments of Communications Marketing Graphics External Affairs Learning and Engagement and other Museum colleagues to promote and support exhibitions.

External Affairs Public Programs and Scholarship:

• Partners with the Learning and Engagement Membership and Editorial and Content Strategy departments on programs relevant to temporary exhibitions collection shows or other projects including lectures or panel discussions at the Museum or other venues.
• Attends international conferences and symposia and serves as a key representative of the Department for contemporary architecture.
• Supports the Chief Curator in engaging the Committee on Architecture and Design and other Museum benefactors.
• Writes articles in professional journals and lectures at other institutions.
• Performs gallery and studio visits and follows the development of emerging as well as established architects to maintain awareness of the whole field of contemporary architecture.
• Strategically and creatively collaborates with colleagues and Museum leadership a diverse set of external partners and the general public.

Requirements:

• Qualified candidates will possess a strong background in contemporary architecture urban studies and art. Working knowledge of the history of modern architecture preferred.
• Four to six years of related academic and curatorial experience for the Assistant Curator level and six to eight years of related academic and curatorial experience for the Associate Curator level. Bachelor of Architecture degree with extensive curatorial experience or Masters degree preferably in architecture or urban studies for both the Assistant and Associate Curator level; PhD preferred for the associate level.
• The successful candidate will be a highly-accomplished and experienced professional who brings a depth of knowledge curiosity and talent to a multifaceted and world-renowned program. Deeply passionate about architecture with extensive knowledge of contemporary architectural practice the candidate has a commitment to excellence and curatorial expertise and is well-versed in the social and political history of their area of focus.
• Ability to thrive in a structured and highly professional environment upholding a leading position in the field.
• Prior experience curating contemporary architecture in a museum gallery setting or a comparable institution setting is preferred.
• Reading knowledge of one or more language in addition to English and including a major European language.
• Supervisory experience and demonstrated project management skills required.
• Must have the ability both to initiate independent projects and work collaboratively working both independently and in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills effective presentation skills and the ability to interact with and act on behalf of the department to Trustee Committee members donors and internal museum staff.
• Must have awareness of the current architectural scene at the local regional national and international level with the ability to identify the most important emerging talents.
• Must be an active and well-connected figure in the New York architectural scene. Awareness of significant current and planned projects of directions in major schools of architecture and of trends in materials and themes of practice are essential.
• Must be equipped to participate in architectural symposia and meetings representing the department and the Museum.

Title Conferment: Title of Assistant Curator or Associate Curator will be determined by the Museum and based on the overall experience and academic credentials of the final candidate.

Salary: The salary for the Assistant Curator title is $97271 (gross) per annum. The salary for the Associate Curator title is $114959 per annum.

Application instructions: To apply please visit MoMA Jobs. Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Writing samples: As an applicant for the Assistant/Associate Curator of Contemporary Architecture we would like to ask you to submit writing samples as part of your application. We are hoping to get a sense of how your scholarship has or can address the evolving field of contemporary architecture. We are interested in seeing how you can articulate a compelling and well-researched narrative in written form. To that end please submit two to three writing samples that in your view best demonstrate your ability to develop a clear and concise argument that is researched-based.

Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a deadline of November 14 2025 after which the job posting will be closed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at the Museum where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race color religion sex age national origin disability pregnancy genetic information military or veteran status sexual orientation gender gender identity or expression marital and civil partnership/union status alienage or citizenship status creed genetic predisposition or carrier status unemployment status familial status domestic violence sexual violence or stalking victim status caregiver status arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law credit history or any other protected category as established by applicable law including the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL).

These titles are unionized positions at MoMA with covered employees represented by Local 2110 UAW AFL-CIO.

Required Experience:

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