1.
curator; museum specialist
A professionally qualified museum or gallery staff member responsible for managing and interpreting collections. In Japan, this is an official certification requiring specific university coursework.
Forms
学芸 (arts and sciences) + 員 (member/staff)
Qualification
The 学芸員 certification is defined by the 博物館法 (Museum Act) and requires completing designated university courses. It is a national qualification specific to Japan.
Related words
- 学芸員補: assistant curator (lower-level qualification)
- キュレーター: curator (from English, used especially in contemporary art)
- 博物館: museum
- 美術館: art museum/gallery
Usage
学芸員 work in 博物館, 美術館, 科学館, and other cultural institutions. Their duties include collection management, exhibition planning, research, and public education.