We had 16 children of Museum employees participate in our Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work day last week. The kids were able to learn about many areas of the Museum from security to conservation.
The kids were finger-printed and received official ID badges from our security department, they got a behind-the-scenes tour of the new stacks in the Spencer Art Reference Libray and they enjoyed a gallery activity in the new contemporary galleries in the Bloch Building with a member of our education department. After lunch, they chatted with one of our conservators about the restoration of our Greek Lion and watched Rozzelle Court Restaurant Executive Chef Dwight Hawkins demonstrate some desserts as well as find out how many kids can fit in the walk-in freezer.
One of the coolest parts of the day (at least for me) was a special tour of the Museum's central plant with the head of our operations division. The kids really liked all the machines and noises but we all learned that one of the biggest and most difficult tasks is making sure the galleries are regulated to 70 degrees and 50% humidity at all times.
We also got to see the big drain for when we must drain One Sun / 34 Moons by Walter De Maria and the pump that helps maintain the water in Fountain in the Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Court.
Comments (2)
I'm actually a 30-year-old kid. Anyway, I'm a film history student and have 2 semesters left to go, but I would like to work in an art museum. I love renaissance art, althought Picasso is my favorite--maybe because his palette of work is in the twentieth century. Do I have a chance?
Posted by David Pieper | November 9, 2007 11:45 PM
Posted on November 9, 2007 23:45
David - It depends on what you want to do. Employees of the Museum come from varied backgrounds because we have a variety of needs including curators, conservators, party planners, marketers, membership, security, food service, retail and more. Keep your eyes open on our job postings. We also have internships on a regular basis. That is a great way to get experience and sometimes get a job here.
Posted by Jodi Olson-Kidney | November 12, 2007 12:57 PM
Posted on November 12, 2007 12:57