Career Blog

Art Conservators

Responsibilities of the Job

• They assess the condition of the artwork and assess signs of deterioration or damage.

• They clean, stabilize, repair, or restore the object using specialized techniques and materials.

• They study the materials and methods originally used to create the piece, often using scientific tools to better understand the chemistry of the object.

• They implement practices to protect artworks from future damage, such as controlling light exposure, humidity, temperature, or handling methods.

Required Credentials

• A master's degree in art conservation or a closely related field is generally required.

• Internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer work in museums, conservation labs, or private studios are crucial.

• Many conservators specialize in a specific type of material, such as paintings, textiles, paper, or archaeological artifacts.

• While not mandatory, certification by professional organizations like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) can enhance credibility.

College Majors

• While there is no specific undergraduate major required to become an art conservator, you should consider majors such as:

  • Art history

  • Chemistry

  • Materials Science

  • Archaeology

  • Studio Art

• These majors provide a strong foundation for the knowledge and skills needed.

Schools

• In State:

  • VCU

    • VCU offers a well-regarded program in Art History with a focus on museum studies and preservation. VCU also has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program that could provide foundational skills for those interested in the conservation of modern and contemporary art.

  • UVA:

    • UVA offers robust Art History and Archaeology programs. While there isn’t a direct conservation degree, their interdisciplinary studies in art history, architecture, and archaeology provide a strong foundation, especially for students looking to go into conservation of historical or archaeological materials.

• Out of state:

  • NYU:

    • The Conservation Center at NYU offers one of the most prestigious graduate programs in art conservation. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, internships, and interdisciplinary study.

  • University of Delaware

    • This program is one of the top-ranked and offers specializations in various conservation fields such as paintings, textiles, and paper.

  • Buffalo State College

    • Buffalo State offers an M.A. in Art Conservation that focuses on training conservators in a wide range of specializations, from archaeological objects to modern art.

• While these schools in Virginia offer good undergraduate programs, students aiming to become art conservators typically need to pursue specialized graduate programs outside of Virginia at institutions like New York University (NYU), the University of Delaware, or Buffalo State College, which are recognized for their top conservation programs.