Group & School Tours

Group Tours

Please click the link below to schedule the tour at least two weeks in advance. You should plan to spend an hour or more exploring the Museum, though many visitors stay much longer.

• Adult groups (18+): $12 per person
• Senior groups (65+): $10 per person
• School groups: $5 per student for a tour, $10 per student for a tour + art activity
• K-12 teachers and chaperones: free up to the required ratio (see below)
  chaperones beyond the required ratio will pay the group rate
  • 1 adult chaperone for every 8 visitors in grades K–5
  • 1 adult chaperone for every 10 visitors in grades 6–12

Please note that admission discounts are not applicable to scheduled group tour rates.

School Groups

The Museum is a fascinating place for teachers and students to explore. It offers discussion-based tours that engage students of all ages. The study of Eastern Christian culture yields rich connections to various curriculum areas, including history and social studies, art and art history, and English Language Arts. We can customize your classroom visit to meet your instructional goals and curriculum needs. The Museum is also homeschool-friendly and encourages collaborative learning.

Simply submit the form below and a staff member will contact you with 48 business hours.

Guidelines for K-12 Groups:

Duration of Visit

Most programs begin with an interactive and customizable 45-minute tour of the collection that covers icons’ history, function, and symbolism. Depending on the age of the students, an additional 30-45 minutes is needed to complete the art activity.

Reservations

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please click the button at the bottom of this page to reserve your date.

Rates

• Tour Only: $5 per student. Teachers and chaperones are free.
• Tour plus Art Activity: $10 per student. Teachers and chaperones are free.
  Tours and activities can be customized to meet specific learning goals. Pricing varies depending on the complexity of the program.

Art Activities

There are three art activities to choose from:

• Writing in Color
  Explore the symbolism of colors used in icons and understand the importance of selecting the right tones and colors. Experiment with creating colors and tones using a paint similar to that used by iconographers, which consists of gum arabic and pigments. Participants will be encouraged to make different tones and create a monochromatic painting that conveys an emotion.
  
• The Art of Illumination
  Explore the beautiful lettering found in illuminated manuscripts and some icons. Using the available templates and examples, you will learn basic lettering styles and create your own illuminated letters. Participants are encouraged to express their creativity by designing an illuminated letter that reflects their unique personality.
  
• Saints and Heroes
  Saints are recognized for leading exemplary lives and serving as models for the ideals of Christian life. Explore the significance of saints and their comparison to folk heroes and role models. Participants can use the provided materials to create a portrait of a role model or folk hero from their own life or culture, using symbols to convey, without words, who that person is and why they would be remembered.

Payment

Payment is required by the date of the program. An invoice is provided once the reservation is confirmed.

Group Size

Students are divided into groups of no more than 12 students per docent. One adult chaperone for every 8 students in grades K–5 and one adult chaperone for every 10 students in grades 6–12.

Lunch

There is a small area with tables on the Museum’s lower level (Tea Room) where groups can eat a brown-bag lunch before or after their tour. Refrigeration is available upon request. Please note that the Tea Room is NOT a nut-free facility.