The primary difference (at least in this country) is that curators are more
concerned with researching and exhibiting objects, while administrators are
more concerned with rules, regulations, etc. pertaining to the museum. A
director here is usually highly involved with fundraising, while managerial
curators (called chief curators) are concerned with coordinating the other
curatorial departments with respect to their research and exhibition activities.
Does this help?
Julia Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center
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(although my title is Director etc. I curate all the exhibitions, or oversee
the curatorial efforts of guest curators)