One great museum, two fabulous locations.

: School Tours

The Monterey Museum of Art is pleased to offer FREE TOURS to all public schools in Monterey County. Discover the Museum through programs created with your curriculum and students’ interest in mind. Museum staff and docents engage students in active discussions about the works they see using strategies to develop the students’ visual thinking. Come visit current Museum exhibitions in a program customized to fit your curriculum needs.

What will we see?
In everyday life we develop the habit of looking quickly, gaining the most basic information and then moving on. But it takes time to see a work of art and an extended engagement with an object can be both rewarding and fun. At the MMA, gallery programs focus on a limited number of carefully selected objects rather than visiting every exhibition in the Museum. After the gallery visit program we encourage teachers and chaperones to spend extra time with students in the galleries visiting art works and other exhibitions not covered in the lesson.

Scheduling Information

When can we visit?
Gallery programs are available Wednesdays through Fridays, from 11am-5pm. Weekend visits may be arranged.

How many students can I bring?
Up to 35 students per group. Special arrangements can be made for larger groups. Please contact the Education Department for details.

How long are the gallery visits?
Up to one hour.

What about chaperones?
The Museum requires one adult chaperone per ten students. Chaperones must remain with the group during the entire program and accept responsibility for monitoring the group’s behavior.

How much does it cost?
Tours are free for all Monterey County public schools. For all other groups we charge $35 per class of 10-35 students.

How can I sign up?
Please call 831.372.5477 x104 or e-mail your request to education@montereyart.org. Plan early for best availability as MMA programs fill very quickly. Please note that gallery visits should be reserved at least six weeks prior to the desired date. We make every effort to accommodate your first preference, but because we cannot guarantee availability.

What Information Does the MMA Staff Need From Me When I call?

  • Name of contact person, with work and home phone number
  • School or group name, address, and phone number
  • Grade level and group age
  • Number of students and chaperones
  • Any special needs that your group may have such as limited English comprehension or limited mobility
  • Type of program requesting
  • Preferred and alternative dates and times for the program

Cancellations:

If you must cancel, please call us as soon as possible at 831.372.5477 x 104. Prompt notification may enable another group to schedule a program.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE THE MUSEUM VISIT?

  • Previewing the exhibition is recommended to help you prepare for your visit. The Museum is open Wednesday-Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday, 1-4pm
  • Review guidelines for Mastering the Museum with your students. See below.
  • Divide your students into groups of equal size, as specified above.

WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE ARRIVE AT THE MUSEUM?

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled start of program (allow time for traffic and parking).
  • Buses may drop students off in front of the Museum on Pacific Street.
  • The Museum requires one adult chaperone to accompany every 15 students.
  • Chaperones must remain with the group during the entire visit and accept responsibility for encouraging the group to explore the Museum, and for monitoring the group's behavior.
  • If possible, please leave backpacks, water bottles, etc. at school or in the bus. Otherwise these can be checked at the admissions area. MMA is not responsible for items damaged, lost or stolen.

Master The Museum!

  • Experience Art with your eyes and brains, not your hands. Be curious! Ask lots of questions.
  • Stay with your group or chaperone at all times.
  • Students can enter the Museum Store five at one time, on a rotating basis and must be with a chaperone.
  • Use only pencils for writing or sketching. Use clipboards for support, not pedestals or walls.
  • Please note the Museum has no lunch facilities, however the sculpture garden and the park across the street from the Museum in front of Colton Hall is an excellent space for lunch.