Decorative Arts Curator

Job Description

Job Ttitle: Decorative Arts Curator

Company: Filoli Historic House and Garden


Description: DescriptionDecorative Arts CuratorJoin Filoli and Shape the Future of Our Historic Collection!Are you a passionate and experienced Decorative Arts Curator ready to bring history to life and connect with diverse communities? Filoli, a vibrant historic estate, is seeking a Decorative Arts Curator to lead the research, display, and interpretation of our unique collection. This is an incredible opportunity to play a pivotal role in our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, centered on community engagement and expanding access to nature.At Filoli, we believe in connecting rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature, and shared stories. Our culture is rooted in integrity, accountability, inclusivity, welcoming, innovation, collaboration, and stewardship using sustainable practices. If you’re a leader with a keen design eye, a knack for storytelling, and a commitment to creating a living museum experience, we encourage you to apply!About the RoleAs the Decorative Arts Curator, you’ll be at the heart of Filoli’s Historic House. You’ll manage our approximately 1,300-object permanent collection, which includes original pieces from the Bourn family (1917-1936) and other period-appropriate items. This broad and eclectic collection features antique European furniture, California paintings and sculptures from the early 1900s, fabrics, ceramics, and related archives.You’ll report to the Director of Collections & Interpretation and be responsible for:Collection Management: Overseeing the cleaning, care, and conservation of the decorative arts collection, including registration, accessioning, and deaccessioning processes.Dynamic Displays: Managing and setting the display of objects, art, and furniture, rotating exhibits regularly to tell new stories and ensure the House feels fresh and beautiful.Research & Interpretation: Conducting original research on collection objects and collaborating to share compelling stories with visitors through various interpretative materials.Public Engagement: Leading regular tours, fielding public inquiries, and building relationships with donors. You’ll also write blogs, create online content, and serve as an external speaker.Team Leadership: Directly managing a Curatorial Specialist, Curatorial Apprentice, and seasonal staff, providing training and support.Strategic Collaboration: Working with Board committees, participating in fundraising, and developing partnerships to advance collection efforts.Seasonal Events: Acting as the Collections representative for seasonal House events like Nightfall and Holidays at Filoli, providing design input and coordinating collection safety during installations.Who You AreYou’re a seasoned professional with a passion for decorative arts and a dedication to cultural institutions.You Bring:Education & Experience: A Master’s Degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field, with 3-5 years of experience in curation or collections, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Collections Expertise: Extensive experience with collections management systems (e.g., ReDiscovery Proficio) and a thorough knowledge of Decorative Arts and California history, particularly the Gilded Age.Leadership & Management: At least 2 years of direct supervisory experience, with effective team leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication, with comfort in public speaking and the ability to present historic information in a clear and inspiring manner.Cultural Competence: A commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI), recognizing diverse backgrounds as assets and promoting an equitable organization.Problem-Solving: A decisive nature, able to anticipate situations, define problems, and formulate rapid solutions.Technical Proficiency: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Applications, and complex database functions.Flexibility: Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support Filoli events and programs.Why Filoli?You’ll join a dedicated team at a beloved historic site, making a tangible impact on how our history is preserved and shared. Depending on candidate experience, we offer a competitive salary range of $88,000 to $106,000 for this full-time and exempt position. We also offer comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, Flex Plan, 401(k), vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay. We are committed to your professional development and provide opportunities for growth and learning.Ready to connect rich history with a vibrant future? Apply today and help us create unforgettable experiences for our visitors! https://filoli.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a26ons3wpt05/aa0

Salary: $88000 – 106000 per year

Location: California

Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:05:27 GMT


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