For Educators School Tours

School Tours

We have so much to share in our galleries with students of all ages.

School Tours

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School Tours

School visits to Phoenix Art Museum introduce students of all ages to art from around the world and help them to develop critical- and creative-thinking skills through close looking and reflection. Our tours are aligned with Arizona Department of Education Standards and encourage students to draw connections between concepts they’ve learned in the classroom and the art they experience in our galleries.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR VISIT

We are excited to welcome your group to the Museum. Reservations are required for all school visits and must be made at least four weeks in advance, pending availability. Submit your information below.

SCHOOL TOUR REQUEST FORM

Admission:
  • $4 per student, plus an additional $1 for special-engagement exhibitions.
  • Free for one teacher or chaperone for every 10 students. Note: All chaperones must be 21 or older.
  • $4 for additional chaperones, plus an additional $1 for special-engagement exhibitions.

Admission subsidies are available on a limited basis for schools in which 50% of students or greater qualify for Title I services.

Docent-Led Tours:

Museum Docents, our highly skilled volunteer educators, are trained to educate and engage students in conversations about works in the Museum’s collections. Tour groups are divided into clusters of 10–15 students, with a required chaperone-to-student ratio of 1:10.

Docent-led tours are available Wednesday – Friday from 9 am – 1 pm.

Teacher-Led Tours:

Teacher-led tours are available Wednesday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm.

Tour Options
The Critical Eye
  1. Grades: 3–12
  2. Length of tour: 1 hour
  3. By discussing a limited number of objects, students learn how to describe, analyze, and interpret works of art, while practicing critical and creative-thinking skills. They gain confidence in their ability to look at art and make informed judgments.
Stories in Art
  1. Grades: 4–8
  2. Length of tour: 1 hour
  3. Explores the commonalities between written/oral and visual stories. Students study and interact with objects, using written and verbal activities to describe, analyze, and interpret artworks and discover how artists depict visual elements of importance in their works.
Introduction to Looking at Art
  1. Grades: Pre-K–3
  2. Length of tour: 1 hour
  3. Designed to engage young children and introduce them to basic art appreciation skills and vocabulary. Students identify subject matter and types of two- or three-dimensional art and discuss the purposes of art.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)
  1. Grades: 5–12
  2. Length of tour: 1 hour
  3. Students learn to examine artworks using scientific inquiry strategies, forming and testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions about the potential meanings of artworks to discover the shared vocabulary of the arts and sciences. They also learn how artists apply STEAM concepts in the creation and composition of their artworks.
Art and History Connect
  1. Grades: 4–12
  2. Length of tour: 1 hour
  3. Explores history as depicted in the artwork of different eras. Students learn how art acts as a mirror, reflecting the culture in which it exists and documenting the histories of events, peoples, places, and values.
Global Perspectives
  1. Grades: 6–12
  2. Length of tour: 1 hour
  3. Students learn how artworks from around the world are connected through common themes of identity, values, and culture.

Interested in a customized school tour for your students? Contact booking@phxart.org for more information.

Children’s education programs at Phoenix Art Museum are made possible in part by The Discount Tire Endowment for Children’s Art Programs, William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund for Education Programs, and Carolyn Dunkin Schulte Educational Endowment Fund.

FAQ

Our guidelines and policies are designed not just to protect the Museum art collection and facilities, but to ensure you enjoy easy access galleries, Museum services, and a safe environment.

Please comply with the following Museum guidelines and policies. Phoenix Art Museum reserves the right to deny services based on the safety and well-being of the works of art, our patrons, and our staff.

If you ever have a question when exploring the Museum, please feel free to ask a Guest Services associate or gallery attendant. We are here to help!

I have students with special needs. Can they be accommodated?

We seek to design visits that meet the needs of students of all abilities. Please share any special needs or accommodations you would like us to be aware of, including cognitive, mobility, visual, auditory, and language needs. When your Docent calls to touch base about your school tour, discuss any special needs with them. Advance notice will help us better prepare and adapt the tour for your students.

What if my school can't afford a field trip?

Subsidies may be available for schools in which 50% of students or greater qualify for Title I services. You also may consider booking a Classroom Outreach Presentation.

Children’s education programs at Phoenix Art Museum are made possible in part by The Discount Tire Endowment for Children’s Art Programs, William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund for Education Programs, and Carolyn Dunkin Schulte Educational Endowment Fund.
Should I book my tour or schedule my transportation first?

Every school district is different. Most districts publish transportation blackout dates and have schedules detailing when buses must be available for dismissal and special events. We suggest checking these schedules before booking whenever possible. We do understand bus schedules change, so we will do our best to accommodate changes upon request.

How do I prepare for our visit?

Scheduling a Meet Your Museum presentation for your classroom is a great way to prepare your students and chaperones for their visit to Phoenix Art Museum.

Is all of the art in the Museum appropriate for children?

We showcase artworks at the Museum that reflect a broad range of human experiences. You are the best judge of what is appropriate for your students and school community. Some works or exhibitions explore concepts that may be difficult for younger students to engage with and understand, so we will work with you to decide which exhibitions will best fit the needs and goals of your students. If you have other concerns, please let us know. We will be as sensitive to your needs as possible but will not compromise an accurate presentation of artworks, time periods, or cultures. We are also able to send you resources for age-appropriate discussions upon request.

Are teachers allowed to visit the Museum in advance to prepare?

We will provide two free educator tickets for teachers interested in visiting the Museum to prepare for their visit. Please email booking@phxart.org before your visit and let us know what date and time you would like to tour the galleries.

Do you have lunch facilities?

Unfortunately, we do not have a lunchroom at the Museum. If your students are bringing lunch, they must be left on the bus or in the entrance lobby. On-site locations for outdoor lunch include the Dorrance Sculpture Garden. Off-site locations include Margaret T. Hance Park (Deck Park), on Central Avenue just south of McDowell Road, and Encanto Park, on 15th Avenue just south of Thomas Road.

What is appropriate Museum behavior?

All artwork in the Museum is a touch-free, hands-free experience, unless otherwise indicated. We want to preserve the art so that everyone in our community can enjoy it for years to come. For school groups, we ask that you stay with your group at all times and walk calmly through the galleries. Talking about the art is always encouraged, but please use indoor voices. If you are taking a Docent-led tour, we encourage you to engage with your Docent. They are incredibly knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Can my students take photos?

Taking photos is allowed in accordance with our photo policy. We absolutely understand wanting to take a memory home with you, but please remember that taking photos may distract from listening to and participating in discussions about the art on view. Please exercise discretion during your visit to ensure a meaningful experience for your students and other Museum guests.

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INTERACTIVE MAP

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MUSEUM GUIDELINES

Learn about our policies and guidelines to ensure an enjoyable and safe visit for every guest.

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BECOME A MEMBER

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ABOUT US

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Please call Visitor Services at 602.257.1880 or email

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