Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, we have suspended onsite school & youth group guided tours through December 2020. We will update this page as circumstances change.
Guided Tours for School and Youth Groups
Tours led by museum educators and docents introduce students to the achievements of women artists, teach art vocabulary, foster visual and verbal literacy skills, and encourage close observation and critical thinking. Schedule a tour of the museum’s collection or special exhibitions or choose one of our curriculum-aligned thematic tours. If you prefer a self-guided visit, see guidelines below. School and youth tours for students 18 years old and under are free.
All guided tours require reservations and must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance. Tours can start any time between the museum’s opening and 2 p.m.
Tours last approximately 60 minutes and are typically available for a maximum of 30 students; however, we can accommodate more in certain circumstances. See below for thematic tour group sizes and lengths.
Chaperone requirements for guided tours
- Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten: One chaperone per three students
- Grades 1–12: One chaperone per 10 students
Chaperones are admitted free.
Please indicate any special requests, such accessibility needs or incorporating curricular connections, in the form.
Thematic Tours
NMWA’s curriculum-aligned thematic tours will strengthen students’ visual literacy skills and vocabulary, and cultivate their observational and evidence-based thinking.
Note that guided thematic tours do not provide an overview of the museum’s entire collection.
Bus Subsidies for Guided Tours
We offer a limited number of bus subsidies to bring students for a guided tour. Eligible schools include District of Columbia Public Schools, District of Columbia Public Charter Schools, and Title I schools within 30 miles of the museum. To be considered for funding, indicate your interest on the tour request form. We will be in touch about availability and next steps.
Self-Guided Visits for School and Youth Groups
Chaperone-led, self-guided groups are welcome, though they must comply with our reservation policies and chaperone guidelines. Self-guided groups require reservations and a completed request form. Entry to all special exhibitions is subject to capacity restrictions.
Self-guided groups with students under 18 years old are free.
Chaperone requirements for self-guided groups
- Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten: One chaperone per three students
- Grades 1–12: One chaperone per 10 students, if group remains together
- Grades 1–12: One chaperone per five students, if students will do independent or small-group activities.
Chaperones are admitted free.
Arts and Humanities for Every Student Partnership
Since 2015, NMWA has partnered with the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative to offer Thinking Routine Thursday tours as part of the “Arts and Humanities for Every Student” initiative. This collaboration has strengthened connections between NMWA and Washington, D.C., public and public charter school students, enabling the museum to serve thousands of elementary and secondary students.
See For Yourself Cards
