School Tours
Students will experience the work of artists from all around the globe who have used their hands and minds to create splendid paintings, sculptures, masks, furniture, mosaics, textiles, and more.
By sharing ideas about how, when, and why each artwork was made, students will learn how to look closely at a work of art, and come to understand that common everyday materials can be transformed into beautiful objects that have great significance and power. Students will see how objects from centuries past may relate to their own lives and inspire their own artwork.
As they make their way through the BMA’s elegant galleries, from the classical court, to the glass-walled atrium and contemporary rotunda, they’ll discover that the creative urge has always been a fundamental part of the human spirit.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are offered to groups of 10 or more elementary, middle, high school, and college students Wednesday–Friday beginning at 10 a.m. Tours generally last one hour. If your school group is large, it will be divided into smaller touring groups of 10-15 students. Each touring group will be led by a Docent, a volunteer educator who has been trained by museum staff. Each Docent will follow his/her own path through the galleries, stopping to discuss 4 or 5 objects along the way. With well-focused questions, friendly nudging, and enthusiastic encouragement, Docents will help students pay close attention to aspects of artworks that they might not notice on their own. Tour Topics (PDF)
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided tours are led by school teachers, homeschool parents, or community leaders. You may schedule a self-guided tour if you do not wish to have a Docent-led tour, if guided tours are not available on the day you plan to visit, or if your students will be carrying out an assignment in the galleries.
Self-guided tours must be scheduled in advance to ensure availability of gallery space. We strongly recommend scheduling self-guided group tours in the afternoon to allow for maximum freedom in the galleries. Please note that BMA Docent-led tours have priority access to Museum galleries. Teachers are encouraged to visit the BMA before their scheduled self-guided visits in order to make plans.
Planning Your Visit
Is there a fee ?
Tours for school and homeschool groups are always FREE.
What are the tour topics?
Please consult the Tour Topics (PDF) chart.
How many chaperones do I need to provide?
Please provide one teacher or adult chaperone for every 10 students.
Do I need to schedule in advance?
Yes, all groups must schedule their visits 6 weeks ahead of time. Tours are booked on a first-come first-served basis.
Are lunchroom facilities available for students?
Unfortunately, there are no student lunch facilities in the Museum. In good weather, groups may eat bag lunches in the BMA’s sculpture gardens. Students must keep food and drinks away from the sculptures and refrain from touching or climbing on the artworks. Please make arrangements when you book your tour.
Is the BMA wheelchair accessible?
The BMA galleries and sculpture gardens are fully wheelchair accessible.
Is parking available?
Information about parking, including maps and directions, will be sent to you along with your tour confirmation materials. Buses may park along Art Museum Drive on a space available basis.
Scheduling a Tour
Tours are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you book your tour at least 6 weeks prior to the date you are requesting.
1. Consult the Tour Topics (PDF) and choose the tour that best meets your curricular needs and your students’ interests.
2. Select possible dates and times that you would like to bring your group to the Museum. Guided tours are offered Wednesday through Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. Remember to consult your school’s vacation, testing, and activities calendars!
3. Fill out the Tour Request Form (PDF) and contact the Tour Coordinator 6 weeks in advance. Since date, time, and other details of your request may have to be adjusted, please do not assume a date is reserved for you until you receive confirmation.
By Phone at 443-573-1821, Tuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
By E-mail to tours@artbma.org
By Fax to 443-573-1581
By Mail:
School Tours, Education Department
The Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
Please inform the Tour Coordinator if:
- You have students with special needs
- Your students would like to eat lunch in the Sculpture Garden
4. After your visit is scheduled, you will receive confirmation by mail. Your tour is not confirmed until you have received the following materials.Please read them carefully.
- Confirmation sheet with information about arrival procedures, parking, and map
- Guidelines for Museum Behavior
- Chaperone Guidelines
5. Before your museum visit, a Docent will contact you to learn about your goals and expectations for your visit. This brief conversation will help Docents plan a learning experience tailored to the needs of your students.
6. If you must cancel your tour, please notify the Tour Coordinator as soon as possible. Voicemail is available 24 hours a day at 443-573-1821.
Preparing for Your Visit
Students have the best museum experience when they know what to expect and what is expected of them.
1. Please review the Guidelines for Museum Behavior (PDF) with all students and chaperones before your visit.
2. Please review the Chaperone Guidelines (PDF) with all chaperones prior to your visit.
3. Please Review the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) which includes information about eating lunch, storing coats and bags, and taking photographs as well as driving and parking directions and maps.
These guidelines and FAQs will be included in your confirmation packet.
Henry Moore. The Three Rings. 1966.
The Baltimore Museum of Art: Gift of Ryda and Robert H. Levi, Baltimore, BMA 1987.225 ©The Henry Moore Foundation. This image must not be reproduced or altered without prior consent from the Henry Moore Foundation.
