About
Docent-led tours focus on connecting students with the Museum’s collections and special exhibitions. They inspire an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts. Students are encouraged to use critical thinking and viewing skills to connect with the art on view with their studies and their own life experiences. Tours are led by volunteer docents trained, by Museum Education Department staff, to deliver tours based on current museum pedagogical theory.
School tours are offered beginning as early as 10:00 am. All school groups receive free student admission during teacher-scheduled field trips.
Submit a tour request form to be contacted by a member of the education staff who will help you plan your school’s visit. When you complete your tour request form, you will be asked to select one of the tour themes listed below.
Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Field Trip Check List
- Prepare to complete the Tour Request Form.
- Choose 2 potential field trip dates. Tours are subject to availability and scheduled on a first come, first served basis
- Determine if you are scheduling a self-guided or docent led tour
- Determine what exhibitions you want your students to see. Learn more about current exhibitions
- For docent led tours, determine what types of conversations you want your students to have in the galleries. Conversations about are can be dynamic and support a number of state standards. The following are some examples:
- Mythology and/or Storytelling
- Art Historical facts and context
- Elements of art and principles of design
- Art critic and criticism using the Visible Thinking Routines
- How the objects are made
- Museum etiquette and exhibition design
- Other. You’ll have an opportunity to describe
- Determine the total number of students and chaperones who will be visiting.
- Complete the online tour request form. For virtual tours, use the link above.
- Coordinate transportation. All groups are responsible for booking their own buses or other transportation.
- Need funding for your buses? Complete the ArtLine Transportation grant application. You’ll be prompted to complete an application at the end of the tour request form.
- Received an ArtLine grant? Review your award letter and reach out to the education team with any questions.
- Recruit Chaperones. The museum allows for one free chaperone for every 10-15 students.
- Prepare yourself. Visit the Museum prior to your field trip. Show your tour confirmation letter at the welcome desk to receive free admission for a planning visit
- Prepare your students. Review the Museum guidelines with students.
The Bus is on Us
Apply for an ArtLine Transportation Grant and the Museum will cover the costs to bring your school group downtown. Transportation grants are distributed on a first come, first served basis to schools with a demonstrated need. To apply, fill out a tour request form and answer yes when asked if you would like to apply for the ArtLine!
Contact us for more information
The ArtLine and Student Tours are made possible by individual donors and
