Wells' Museum Studies program teaches students to be informed and thoughtful managers of artwork and cultural items. Whether curating exhibits of historical value, installing multi-faceted site-specific modern art, managing archives and collections, or using advanced techniques for preservation or restoration, museum professionals need to know what they'll be working with and how.
The program at Wells begins with an introductory course in Museum Studies and expands from there into a variety of disciplines. For example, courses in management and education teach the skills necessary to operate an informative institution. Visual Arts faculty help students develop their understanding of the art world and learn presentation skills and professional terminology. Local and global perspectives are available in courses that focus on archaeology, history, and other cultures.
The program also requires an internship. Whether close to campus or in your home town, whether a gallery or museum, lab or library, you'll have a chance to work in a professional setting and build skills and experience for your career.
A special opportunity for Wells students is our notable and popular study abroad program in Florence, Italy. The Lorenzo de Medici institute offers courses in museology, museum experience and education, and ties to ethics & the law.
There are also many opportunities to get involved right at Wells. The Visual Arts department maintains regular exhibits by professional artists in the String Room Gallery. Students in the Museum Studies program help with installation, run the gallery opening receptions, and hold work-study positions watching the gallery during open hours.
Students also may have the opportunity to contribute to the care of the Wells College Archives and Art Collection, learning techniques of preservation of antique and rare paintings, books, sculpture, artifacts, and more.
