The Toledo Museum of Art offers guided tours for K-12 and university students, led by trained volunteer docents. Docent-led tours provide student groups engaging, interactive, inquiry-based experiences in Museum galleries. Self-guided and multi-visit tours are also available. Programs and tour themes are subject to change.
Our Approach
Your students will build skills and connect with standards. K-12 tours support Ohio’s New Learning Standards in Fine Arts, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science & Math, as well as foster the development of the four C’s of 21st century learning: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students will make connections between classroom learning and the Museum experience, exercise their creative and analytical skills, and increase visual literacy using the language of art.
We promote visual literacy. The Toledo Museum of Art is making visual language education a priority, using its world renowned collection as a teaching resource. Close looking strategies and approaches are taught on all docent-led tours to develop the ability to make inferences about the meaning of works of art.
What to Expect
We believe less is more. Tours focus on approximately five works of art. This focused approach gives students time to develop observation skills and critical thinking. At the Toledo Museum of Art, the journey to understanding the visual world begins with close looking and observation.
We recognize that people learn differently. We engage students through a range of learning strategies; select tours include open ended and guided questions, conversation, small group activities, drawing and writing.
Download the interactive School Programs Tour Document here
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my students get the most out of our tour?
Docents ask the students interactive questions using visual literacy strategies. To best prepare your students for their visit, discuss the subject of your tour as well as the Elements of Art and Principles of Design prior to your visit.
Is there a fee for parking?
There are spaces for buses to park at the Main Museum and the Glass Pavilion. A map will be included with your confirmation. Bus parking is free for all docent-led K-12 school tours. Standard parking rates apply for groups parking personal vehicles in museum parking lots; as always, museum members park for free
Why are there people with radios watching us?
Security is always a priority for our visitors. The security of our collection is also paramount. The staff of Protective Services help in the case of emergencies, locate lost students, and prevent potential damage to the works of art. They maintain a respectful distance.
Why are we being photographed?
By participating in a tour at the Museum, you grant permission for you and your students to be photographed for promotional purposes, without compensation.
What are some Museum guidelines for visitors?
- Please talk! Get excited about art. Discussion leads to better understanding and appreciation.
- Stay about two feet away from artwork and do not touch.
- Backpacks, large purses, satchels, umbrellas, and other bulky items are not permitted in the galleries. Please check them at the door prior to your tour.
- Laser pointers are prohibited in the galleries.
- Please walk, not run, through the galleries.
- Handheld, non-flash photo and video cameras are welcome in the permanent collection galleries. Photography in galleries with special exhibitions is prohibited.
- Eating and drinking are permitted only in designated areas.
- Chewing gum and tobacco products are not permitted in the Museum.
- Vulgar messages or images on apparel are not welcome at the Museum.