Curatorial Studies – Theory – History – Criticism is a two-year Master of Arts program, established in 2010 by Goethe University Frankfurt and Hochschule für Bildende Künste– Städelschule in cooperation with Städel Museum, Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung, Museum MMK für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt, Historisches Museum Frankfurt, Weltkulturen Museum and Portikus.
At Goethe University, the following disciplines are involved through institutes and/or subject representatives: Art History, Philosophy, Ethnology, Archaeological Sciences, Art Education and History. The course is part of Goethe University's Institute of Art History.
The program is characterized by its unique structure, a partnership between university, art academy and Frankfurt's diverse museum landscape. The exclusive program, limited to 12 to 15 students per year, gives students the opportunity to combine academic learning and scientific research with curatorial questions and professional experience in an environment of intensive exchange. Academia, artistic practice, curating and theoretical-critical reflection are not regarded as separate practices, but as interrelated, shared experiences.
Tuition fees are not charged.
Start: Winter semester 2025/26
Application deadline: May 31st 2025
Conception
The main focus of the Master of Arts program Curatorial Studies – Theory – History – Criticism is the scholarly examination of the complex tasks of curating and art criticism, with an emphasis on their theoretical and practical application. It is the aim of this program to combine an object-related approach with theoretical expertise. While other programs have primarily focused on contemporary art, here the examination of curating and art criticism includes earlier periods and different fields of cultural studies as well.
In a globalized art world, and in response to developments within contemporary art, the presentation of art and art historical objects has become a complex challenge, which necessitates the consideration of art historical as well as cultural, social, political and philosophical aspects. Museums and other art institutions have to face the task of rephrasing the notion of the public realm. The repercussions apply not only to institutions directly involved with contemporary art. In fact, the shift is as fundamental as to be of concern to the operations of traditional art historical, ethnological and historical collections.
Program description
The Master’s study program provides prospective curators, exhibition organizers and art critics with a theoretical and practical basis for their future occupation. Already during their Master’s program, students have the opportunity to combine academic expertise with curatorial skills and practical knowledge. The Frankfurt program of study features a unique cooperation of committed university departments, outstanding museums and an internationally renowned academy of fine arts.
Program structure
During the first year, students are in constant contact with the cooperating museums. University seminars provide an opportunity for the participants to extend their expertise. Furthermore, criteria and categories of art criticism as well as academic principles of art theory and aesthetics will be discussed. A course module on the history of the museum and exhibitions complements the program. A two-month-long internship, preferably resulting in the collaboration on an exhibition project, offers insight into the curatorial departments of a museum or exhibition institution. Fundamental to the second year is the development of the Master’s thesis, and in-depth work on object-related approaches combined with theoretical inquiry.
Application requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree with a minimum of 6 semesters in art history, archaeology, art education, philosophy, ethnology or history. Fine art graduates may also apply. International Students do need a DSH-1 Certificate.
Applications must be sent in one fold (in one envelope!) by May 31st 2025 (postmark), and include a single-page statement of purpose (SoP), résumé (CV) as well as copies of relevant certificates, to the following address:
Curatorial Studies – Theorie – Geschichte – Kritik
Kunstgeschichtliches Institut der Goethe-Universität
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
60629 Frankfurt
Please also send your application via email (one PDF File!) to the following address:
kuratierenundkritik@kunst.uni-frankfurt.de
Further information on the program and the application process is available on our website.