Hanhardt began his career in the department of Film and Video at the Museum of Modern Art.
Following his success at the Walker, Hanhardt was appointed Curator and Head of the Film and Video department at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1974.
[6] In addition to his museum experience, Hanhardt has published, lectured, and taught extensively on film and media art.
[7] As a writer, critic, and editor, Hanhardt has been a contributor to numerous exhibition catalogues, journals, and other arts publications.
In 1993, Hanhardt was the recipient of the Peter Norton Family Foundation Curator's Grant for outstanding curatorial work.