Unit Group
5212 Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries
This unit group includes workers who classify and catalogue museum artifacts and gallery works of art, construct and install exhibits and displays, restore, maintain and store museum and gallery collections, frame artwork, and perform other functions in support of curatorial and conservation activities. They are employed in museums and galleries. Picture framers and taxidermists may also be employed in retail settings or may be self-employed. This unit group also includes museum and other interpreters who conduct guided tours. They are employed by art galleries, museums, parks, aquariums, zoos, interpretive centres, botanical gardens, cultural centres, nature sanctuaries, historic and heritage sites, and other locations.
Example Titles
art gallery preparator
conservation technician – museums and art galleries
curatorial assistant
heritage interpreter
museology technician
museum extension officer
museum interpreter
museum objects cataloguer
museum registrar
museum technician
paintings restoration technician
picture framer – museum and art gallery
restoration technician – museum
taxidermist
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Main duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
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Conservation and restoration technicians assist in the restoration and conservation of artifacts under the direction of a conservator.
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Curatorial assistants assist in the research, handling and storage of artifacts.
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Museum interpreters conduct tours of museums, gallery exhibitions and historical, heritage and other sites, answer inquiries and provide information concerning exhibits or sites.
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Museum extension officers assist with the planning and development of travelling exhibitions and special events.
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Museology technicians protect and care for cultural artifacts and collections during exhibitions, while in transit and in storage.
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Museum registrars and cataloguers classify and assign registration numbers to artifacts and supervise inventory control.
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Preparators construct displays and dioramas, build models, install artifacts in displays and prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
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Picture framers fabricate custom frames, measure and cut mats, mat enhancements and glass, and mount paintings, photographs and other art work.
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Taxidermists prepare and mount skins of birds or animals for preservation, scientific or display purposes.
Technical museum and gallery workers may specialize in a specific type of collection.
Employment requirements
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Registrars, cataloguers and interpreters may require a university degree in a field related to museum and gallery work.
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For other occupations in this unit group, completion of a college program in museum technology or conservation technology
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or
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Other technical or on-the-job training programs related to the work are required.
Additional information
- Museum interpreters may require specific scientific or academic credentials for employment by some museums, nature centres or other sites.
Classified elsewhere
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Assistant curators (in 5112 Conservators and curators )
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Museum exhibit designers (in 5243 Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers )
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Tour and travel guides (6531)
