1. Unit 1 EQ: Why do we keep art in museums?

2. Museums are very special places with irreplaceable treasures
Museums are very special places with irreplaceable treasures. In order to appreciate the art at museums there are rules and expectations to be followed.

3. Some of these rules are:
Never touch the works of art or get too close. Help them protect these objects from the natural oils, moisture, and dirt on our skin that can damage them and leave harmful prints. Even museum staff members wear special protective gloves when handling the art. Please also refrain from leaning against walls.
Flash photography is NOT allowed in the galleries. The intense flash of light can fade the surface of works of art.

4. Much like our classroom, food and drinks are not appropriate within in the galleries (halls.) Most large museums have a designated place, such as a cafeteria, for food and drinks.
To ensure an enjoyable visit for all visitors, please refrain from talking on your cell phone and other electronic devices in the galleries.

5. Looking at art is an interactive experience
Looking at art is an interactive experience. Stop, watch, and talk about the things you see while you are in a gallery or museum.
Here are some questions/statements to help spark conversations:
What do you see? I see something different because…
Can you believe how old this object is…
Do you like it? Why? Why not?
How does it make you feel?
What types of materials is it made from?
What do you think it was used for?
Who would own an object like this?
What do you think the artist was thinking when he or she made it?

6. Cooperative Discussion:
Are those questions similar or do they remind you of completing an art critique?

7. What types of jobs and careers can you have in the museum workplace?
Careers in galleries
What types of jobs and careers can you have in the museum workplace?

8. The most famous type of career associated with an art museum or gallery is…
Curator - acquires, cares for, displays and interprets a collection of artefacts or works of art (key goals of informing, educating and inspiring the public).
Some of a curator’s responsibilities include:
collection of artifacts or works of art
acquiring objects or collections of interest to the museum/gallery
keeping records and carrying out background research
displaying objects in way that makes them engaging to the general public
writing articles for publications
collaborating  with other museum departments, such as  education, fundraising, marketing and conservation

9. Docent is a title given in the United States of America to persons who leads guided tours especially through a museum or art gallery, usually on a voluntary basis.
Conservators manage, care for, preserve, treat, and document works of art, artifacts, and specimens—work that may require substantial historical, scientific, and archaeological research. For example, using x-rays may be a part of this career.
Other types of careers and jobs include security, marketing, customer service, and advertising, etc.
2012 Median Pay for someone who works at a museum or gallery
$44,410 per year $21.35 per hour

10. You will need a Bachelor’s degree, and most likely a Master’s degree
You will need a Bachelor’s degree, and most likely a Master’s degree. A PhD will make you more competitive in some areas (curatorial work, of course) but be wasted in others (you’re not going to need a PhD if you’re interested in exhibit design).
Volunteering and interning are invaluable ways to network, experience different behind-the-scenes job functions, and evaluate the type of museum you enjoy working at.

11. Virtual museum tour of the louvre in paris, france