Art Careers / Art Conservator

Art, Science and Helping

What Does an Art Conservator Do? An Art Career for Kids

Curious about this job? Here is what the work looks like, a typical day, the tools, where people do it and how to get started, plus a small activity so you can try it yourself.

What an art conservator does

An art conservator takes care of artworks and old objects so they last a very long time. They study damage, clean carefully and repair things like paintings, statues and fabrics.

Real-world examples: The Getty Conservation Institute.

A day on the job

  • Examine artwork with microscopes, special lights and x-rays
  • Test what materials an artwork is made of
  • Clean and repair artwork very slowly and carefully
  • Write reports and take photos of every step

Tools of the job

  • Microscopes
  • Ultraviolet lights and x-ray images
  • Tiny brushes, swabs and scalpels
  • Chemical tests
  • Cameras
  • Gloves and lab equipment

Where they work

  • Museums
  • Conservation labs
  • Universities and historical sites
  • Private studios

The path in 4 steps

  1. Start now

    • Look at old family photos or objects and notice how they changed over time
    • Practice very careful, neat work like detailed coloring
    • Visit a museum and ask how they protect the art

  2. In your teens

    • Take chemistry, art and art history
    • Volunteer or intern at a museum or historical society
    • Practice studio art in different materials

  3. Training

    Conservators typically need a master's degree in conservation, a graduate program of 2 to 4 years that includes an internship. To get in, students usually need a background in art history, chemistry, studio art or archaeology.

  4. Build a portfolio

    Graduate programs often ask for a portfolio of studio art and conservation experience.

Skills that help

  • Patience
  • Steady hands
  • Chemistry
  • Art history knowledge
  • Careful note taking

Try this job

A small taste of the real work, using things you already have.

Ask an adult for an old magazine page. Tear it into 6 pieces, then try to put it back together so the tears are as hard to see as possible, using small pieces of tape on the back. Write down each step you took. Conservators work this carefully and record every single step so others know what was done.

Related art careers

CuratorEducation and CommunityWhat do they do?Museum EducatorEducation and CommunityWhat do they do?Medical IllustratorArt, Science and HelpingWhat do they do?

Learn more

For pay, job outlook and training details, read the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook page for this kind of work.

Which art career fits you?

Answer a few quick questions and see which art jobs match what you love to do.

Take the Which Art Career Fits You quiz

Questions teachers and parents ask

What does an art conservator do?

An art conservator takes care of artworks and old objects so they last a very long time. They study damage, clean carefully and repair things like paintings, statues and fabrics.

How do you become an art conservator?

Conservators typically need a master's degree in conservation, a graduate program of 2 to 4 years that includes an internship. To get in, students usually need a background in art history, chemistry, studio art or archaeology.

What skills does an art conservator need?

Patience, Steady hands, Chemistry, Art history knowledge and Careful note taking.

The Artastic Collective art curriculum

Full art lessons, videos and units for the whole year, ready when you are. Monthly, yearly and VIP plans.

See the plans