What best describes the role of a curator in an art museum?

The role of a curator in an art museum is best described by the responsibilities related to the management and presentation of art collections. This includes making critical decisions regarding the acquisition of art, whether through purchases or loans, as well as determining how and where the artwork will be displayed in the museum.

Curators play a vital role in shaping the museum's collection by evaluating the significance of pieces, considering the historical context, aesthetic value, and relevance to the museum's mission. Their decisions influence not only the overall narrative conveyed by the exhibition but also the educational experience for visitors, as the arrangement and selection of artworks impact how patrons engage with the collection.

While other roles, such as analyzing visitor statistics or creating educational programs, may be part of a curator's wider responsibilities or involve collaboration with other staff, the core function focused on in this definition revolves around the art collection itself—its acquisition, care, and display. Thus, this answer highlights the curator's central role in the operational and intellectual framework of an art museum.