Guide to Museums that cannot be missed
To mark the 40th anniversary of International Museum Day (IMD), here we look at the best global locations for Museums. This guide is great if you’re a Museum or history buff, a historical tourist, or for those who work in the industry. Museum based careers (directors, curators, archaeologists etc.) open the doors to worldwide travel and work. With so many international job opportunities, here’s our guide to the best locations, based on their Museum offerings.
“Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” (source: ICOM)
The United States of America
All across the USA, the high number and variety of Museums makes a move here a great choice for anyone in or looking for a career in the Museum industry. From curators, to registrars, transport and instillation to conservators, there is everything from entry level roles to the most senior positions available right across the country.
Dallas, Texas is a great choice if you’re interested in fine art collections – home to the Dallas Museum of Art. There is also the European and American Art Collection and one of the biggest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. These are just a few of the impressive and varied museums across the state.
In San Francisco, California you will find a collection of Asian art spanning 6000 years at the Asian Art Museum. There is also a great number of Museums displaying incredible art work: from the de Young Museum to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
If you’re looking to soak in culture in a smaller, more artsy community, Santa Fe in New Mexico offers a unique experience for museum fans. The city here is home to over 240 art galleries, in addition to specialised galleries and museums.
New York is the US home of the largest number of museums, including the second most visited art museum in the world: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. From world renowned space like the Guggenheim Museum, to lesser known smaller spaces like the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the sheer number and variety of museums in New York makes it equally alluring to both visitors and job hunters.
Mexico
Mexico City alone boast over 150 museums: that’s enough for one a weekend for over 3 years! Not only is there a wealth of art museums, but the city is home to some world-renowned archaeological museums, such as the Museo Nacional de Antropoligia. For fans of the work of Frida Khalo, her home has been turned into an exhibition where you can study some of her personal artefacts.
Across the country you will find excellent examples of Mayan and Aztec relics lovingly displayed in museums, as well as many great art museums and exhibitions. The museum culture here is incredibly varied, making it an interesting choice for those holding very specialised careers in the field.
The United Kingdom
Home to one of the most comprehensive collections of museums (from archaeology to the history of cricket and music), the UK has plenty to offer a museum fan and those looking to move for work in the industry.
While London is a hub for some of the most famous museums in the UK, including the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert, there are museums to be found in every city and town. If you are looking for a museum career where you can work with world leading research and technologies, London is a popular choice.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
For lovers of Art, there is arguably nowhere better then Amsterdam. Nestled between the cobbled historical streets and network of canals are a wealth of Museums. Perhaps most famously, The Van Gogh Museum contains the largest display of his incredible works. For a fan of his work, there can be no greater place to work.
Works of other masters can be found at the Rijksmuseum: here you can witness the masterpiece ‘The Night Watch’ by Rembrandt. And for fans of contemporary art, there is the Stedelijk Museum, showcasing inspiring and ground breaking pieces.
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the eye-opening and heart-wrenching Anne Frank Museum: the families quarters have been preserved to show how they lived whilst hiding from occupying Nazis during the Second World War.
There really is a wealth and variety of Museums in Amsterdam, all unique to the city. Again, the job market spans from entry level to highly specialised rolls across all of the museum-based careers paths.
Greece
The city of Athens is so consumed with looming ancient buildings that it is almost like living inside a Museum. The bustling modern city holds tightly onto its historical past, and as such, there is a wealth of incredible Museums here.
The museums in Athens are all highly specialised, showcasing expert knowledge and incredibly curated exhibitions. The National Archaeological Museum is home to the world’s most extensive collection of Ancient Greek artefacts. And there are equally impressive museums for those interesting in visiting or working with natural history, Ancient Agora, and the railway system (to name just a few).
If you’re a museum based professional looking for your next international career move, speak to one of our friendly experts to find out how we can make your move to your new role seamless.
