Associate Curator of Decorative Arts

The Frick Collection • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, The Frick Collection is known for its distinguished holdings of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century. The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. Since opening as a museum in 1935, the institution has grown significantly while preserving the intimate scale and distinctive character that have made the Frick one of the world’s most admired museums. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research Library, founded by Helen Clay Frick in 1920 and internationally recognized as one of the leading centers for the study of Western art. After a five-year closure of the Frick’s historic buildings, during which time a major renovation and enhancement project was completed, the Frick reopened in 2025 with new spaces for the display of art and for educational programming, including the Ian Wardropper Education Room and Stephen A. Schwarzman Auditorium. The Frick has long been a leader in, and advocate for, arts education, and in-gallery teaching with direct access to works of art displayed in historic interior spaces remains foundational to the museum’s mission to provide access, understanding, and enjoyment of the collection to the public.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Art History, History or related field and 1 year of experience in the job or related position.
• Must be pursuing or have completed a PhD in a related field.
• French language fluency required.
• Domestic and International travel up to 40% required.
• Public speaking in the field of Art History and/or History, especially Decorative Arts, 18th century decorative arts, especially French Decorative Arts.
• Published works in the field of 16th–19th century European Decorative Arts.
• Additional secondary knowledge of one of these languages: German, Italian.
• Ability to interact in-person with colleagues.
• Use common office tools and machines (computer, phone).
• Ability to traverse throughout the office and building(s) both inside and outside of the museum and visit different levels of the building.
• Ability to carry/transport materials weighing up to 20 or more pounds.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the care, display, research and interpretation of the collection of decorative arts, and for its potential growth, by gift and acquisition.
• Develop exhibitions and displays relating to significant works in the Collection.
• Publish and lecture to a wide variety of audiences.
• Coordinate permanent collection art moves in that area.
• Assist with researching, writing texts for, and installations plans for long-term loans to Collection.
• Prepare informational videos.
• Assist with permanent collection gallery labels.
• Write articles for The Frick Collection’s Members Magazine.
• Participate in Education programs with lectures, seminars and gallery talks.
• Collaborate with Education and the Head of Music and Performance for programs, concerts and lectures.
• Contribute to donors’ cultivation and fundraising.
• Courier trips.
• Exhibition planning trips.

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays (all federal holidays including Juneteenth, and Election Day), including four floating holidays
• Up to 12 sick days and 15 vacation days their first year of employment, accruing up to 12 sick days and 25 vacation days per year in subsequent years.
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid family leave
• Adherence to federal family leave laws
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible full-time employees and their dependents
• Defined benefit pension plan (equivalent to an additional 12% in compensation)
• Optional Tax Deferred Savings Plan (403(b))
• Short- and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance (covered entirely by the Frick for eligible full-time employees)
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Discount on Citi Bike memberships
• Discount on bike helmets
• Discount on food pickup or delivery through Seamless/Grubhub when working on-site
• Transit discounts
• Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses, dependent care, and commuting costs
• Discount on Museum Shop purchases
• Discount in coffee bar

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level