School Tours

Students tour the exhibition "Taking Shape: Abstraction from the Arab World" at the Tampa Museum of Art
Students tour the exhibition “Taking Shape: Abstraction from the Arab World” at the Tampa Museum of Art

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 three weeks in advance.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Walsh

Field Trip Check List

  1. 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.
  2. Complete the online tour request form. For virtual tours, use the link above.
  3. Coordinate transportation. All groups are responsible for booking their own buses or other transportation.
    • Due to low funding, the application for the Artline Transportation Grant is currently unavailable.
  4. Recruit Chaperones. The museum allows for one free chaperone for every 10-15 students.
  5. 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
  6. Prepare your students. Review the Museum guidelines with students.