curator at large

USAGE SUMMARY

"curator at large" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an official or unofficial title that is used to refer to someone who is in charge of making decisions about what content to display in a museum or other cultural institution. For example: "Sarah was appointed curator at large for the new modern art wing of the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But Björk – that's the title of the show, which opens to the public this weekend and has been curated by the museum's chief curator at large, Klaus Biesenbach – does not tell that story, or much of any other.

The Guardian - Music

The concert series is curated by a special committee selected by MoMA PS1 Director and MoMA Chief Curator at Large, Klaus Biesenbach.

Vice

His mother is the senior curator at large of the Jewish Museum in New York.

The New York Times - Style

(Biesenbach, MOMA's curator at large, conceived the show and has enjoyed an intimate association of long-standing with Abramovic).

The New Yorker

According to Klaus Biesenbach, MoMA's chief curator at large, the hardest thing to get right in installing the show was the marriage of imagery and sound.

The New York Times - Arts

Organized by Klaus Biesenbach, the museum's chief curator at large, the show presents all but one of these films as digital projections.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Klaus Biesenbach, chief-curator-at-large for MoMA, organised the exhibition.

The Guardian - Music

A few weeks after this version was abandoned, for technical reasons, I was describing it to Germano Celant, a curator-at-large.

The New Yorker

But the installation, by Varnedoe and the museum's curator-at-large John Elderfield, is crisp and considerately spacious, and to miss this event would be a shame.

The New Yorker

Biesenbach, who is now MoMA's chief curator-at-large, told me that Schutz's paintings had struck him as being "different from anything I had seen recently — not exactly beautiful, but very true.

The New Yorker

Halfway through our interview we are interrupted by two grey-haired men who turn out to be none other than Hans Ulrich Obrist, director of the Serpentine Gallery, and Klaus Biesenbach, curator-at-large of Moma in New York.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curator at large" when the individual has a broad or multifaceted curatorial role spanning various departments or collections.

Common error

Don't assume a "curator at large" is always independent or unaffiliated. The title can also denote a senior-level curator with broad responsibilities within a specific museum or institution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curator at large" functions as a noun phrase identifying a position or role within a museum or cultural institution. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. This title indicates a curator with broad responsibilities that extend beyond a single collection or department.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "curator at large" refers to a curatorial role typically found in museums and art institutions, characterized by broad responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. Usage is common in "News & Media". When using the phrase, consider clarifying the scope of responsibilities to prevent ambiguity. Related terms include "independent curator" and ""consulting curator"", each carrying nuances related to the curator's affiliation or specific role. Be aware that the role is not invariably external to the institution but could be a high-level internal position with broad oversight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Independent curator

Specifies curator works independently, not tied to one institution.

Consulting curator

Highlights advisory role in curatorial projects.

Traveling curator

Focuses on curator's role of moving between different institutions or locations.

Guest curator

Curator is temporarily working with an institution.

Senior curator

Indicates a curator with extensive experience.

Chief curator

Emphasizes leadership role over other curators.

Head of exhibitions

Focuses on the management of exhibitions rather than collection.

Curatorial consultant

Emphasizes expertise offered on a contract basis.

Museum director

Focuses on overall management of the museum.

Artistic director

Focuses on creative and artistic vision for an institution.

FAQs

How is a "curator at large" different from a regular curator?

A "curator at large" often has broader responsibilities or works across multiple departments, while a regular curator typically focuses on a specific collection or area.

What are the typical responsibilities of a "curator at large"?

Responsibilities vary but can include developing exhibitions, acquiring new works, conducting research, and fostering relationships with artists and collectors. They might act as a "consulting curator".

Is "curator at large" a formal title?

It can be either a formal, officially designated title within an institution or an informal descriptor for a curator with expansive roles.

Who are some well-known "curators at large"?

Klaus Biesenbach, associated with MoMA, and Lynne Cooke, associated with the Dia Art Foundation, are examples of well-known "curators at large".