Guided school and youth tours are available on a
variety of topics and are tailored to specific age groups. Tours are free
for elementary and secondary school students. One adult chaperone is required
for every 10 students and is admitted to the exhibition at no charge. Any
additional chaperones must pay the regular adult tour fee. The museum can
accommodate a maximum of 40 children per visit.
Teacher-led group tours of the museum are permitted. However, teachers/adult
leaders must notify the Education Department in advance of the date and
time of the visit to avoid schedule conflicts; call the department at
202-783-7996.
Tour Topics
Come to Your Senses (Grades K-2)
Children explore ways to use their imaginations and all five senses when
looking at art. Included are objects to touch, smell, hear, and see. This
lesson is limited to a maximum of 20 children.
To Each Her Own (Grades 1-6)
Students view works from the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
They hear fascinating stories of important women artists from the Renaissance
through the present day and learn basic art vocabulary and concepts.
You Be the Critic (Grades 3-8)
During this interactive game in the galleries, students have the opportunity
to express their opinions, define their preferences, and make aesthetic
and critical judgments about works of art. This lesson is limited to a
maximum of 20 children.
Book as Art: Artists' Books from the Permanent Collection (Grades
7-12)
Students discover artists' books that go beyond traditional book formats
and discuss how the narratives inspired the books' images and sculptural
forms. Students are encouraged to write short stories and poetry in response
to the whimsical books and journals on display.
Women, Art, and Society (Grades 7-12)
Students view a selection of works from the permanent collection that
focus on the social constraints that excluded women from many educational
opportunities. This is an excellent survey to complement social studies
and humanities classes, as well as classes in the visual arts.
Seeing Through Writing (Grades 7-12)
Following an introduction to a selection of works from the permanent collection,
students express their responses in writing. This lesson encourages students
to respond creatively to works of art as they develop settings, character
studies, and dialogue. Students are given time to share their writing
with the group. Materials are provided. This lesson is limited to a maximum
of 20 students. Tour length: 90 minutes.
