PhD in History of Arts - Museum and Curatorial Studies in Philadelphia United States | University of Pennsylvania

At Penn, students can explore the diverse practices crucial for museums, galleries, libraries, and exhibition spaces. We focus on cultivating expertise in critical museum studies, encouraging students to examine what is displayed versus what is omitted—and the reasons behind these choices. Through partnerships with on-campus and local institutions, students engage directly with artifacts, archives, and collections, mastering cataloging, preservation, acquisitions, and more. They contribute to exhibition development by selecting materials, drafting interpretive text, and assisting with installations while presenting their findings to diverse audiences—building essential professional competencies. The History of Art Department collaborates with venues like the Arthur Ross Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Art, Penn Libraries, Penn Museum, Slought Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Chicago's Wrightwood 659. Additionally, we maintain connections with institutions nationwide, providing frequent curatorial opportunities. Student-led exhibition seminars, both on campus and elsewhere, form a key component of our curriculum.