Teacher-Guided Visits for Pre-K to University Students
Teacher-guided visits are perfect for educators who want to direct their own curriculum of the Museum. Groups are welcome to explore the MFAH art collections and any special exhibitions with a reservation.
At this time, the Museum is unable to provide docent-guided field lessons to non-district partners.
Reservations for groups are needed at least two weeks in advance. Availability and space are limited, so be sure to book before planning your trip.
Teacher-guided visits are available year-round, during regular hours of operation. Some special restrictions may apply during high-attendance periods. Teacher-guided tours are free on any day with a reservation made in advance through the Learning and Interpretation department.
- The Museum’s collections and special exhibitions include works of art expressing a range of subject matter, including the nude or partially nude human form. Please prepare students for the possibility of viewing these images before arriving. Museum staff members are happy to answer questions or address concerns you may have about the works on view prior to your visit.
- The maximum number of students that can be accommodated is 50.
- Schools that wish to bring groups larger than the maximum may request multiple teacher-guided visits in the same day.
- One chaperone or teacher is needed per 10 students.
- Contact schooltours@mfah.org or 713.639.7835 in advance for additional assistance booking larger groups and for any questions about scheduling.
- Sign up for the teacher email list to learn more about teacher programs.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Educators are highly encouraged to participate in a Hearst Foundation “Make the Most of Your Self-Guided Visit.” A member of the Learning and Interpretation team can meet you in person or on Zoom to think through artworks and collections that support your curriculum goals. Contact teachers@mfah.org to connect with Museum staff.
Once your visit is confirmed, please review the following information with your students and chaperones.
- Watch the Student & Teacher Welcome video (View in English | View in Spanish) with your students to prepare for your visit.
- Guidelines for School Group Chaperones
See helpful tips and information for chaperones. - School Tours Pre-visit Materials
This packet contains resources designed to help you, your chaperones, and your students get ready to visit the Museum.
Make the Most of Your Teacher-Guided Visit
Educators with confirmed teacher-guided tours also have the opportunity to meet with MFAH staff to customize the experience. Hearst Foundation “Make the Most of Your Teacher-Guided Visit” sessions are offered on Thursdays, when the Museum is open late, and also in 30-minute increments on Zoom. Please contact teachers@mfah.org to arrange a day and time.
At these sessions, educators and Museum staff members collaborate on how best to relate the MFAH art collections to the school curriculum. Each meeting is unique and based on the type of tour the teacher wants to create. Options are as broad as finding art objects that spark curiosity, and as specific as investigations into certain art movements. From art history to chemistry, the MFAH team strives to engage all subject matter in dialogue with works of art, for every grade level. You have goals for your visit, and the Museum is here to help!
What to Do During a Teacher-Guided Visit
James Turrell, The Light Inside, 1999, neon and ambient light, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum commission, gift of Isabel B. and Wallace S. Wilson. © James Turrell
The MFAH offers resources to assist you as you guide your group through the galleries. From sketching supplies to downloadable resources, these options help deepen students' experiences with art.
With so much to see, how do you choose? Focus your students' experience with the following downloadable resources, which will guide you in selecting works of art to see on a self-guided visit.
Pre-Written Self-Guided Tours
These resources will help you guide students on an hour-long visit to the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The guides include 5 objects in a variety of collection areas and mediums, along with art history, tour tips, discussion questions, and transitions.
Choose the right guide for your grade level:
Or, short on time? Try these looking activities appropriate for a range of grade levels!
Browse the Art Collections
Is there a particular artist or work of art you would like to see? Search the MFAH collections online by artist, date, and more.
Learning Through Art Online Curriculum
Learning Through Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston connects the MFAH collections of world art into curriculum for classes in art, language arts, math, science, and social studies. Use the Museum’s elementary and middle school curriculum to integrate higher-level cognitive skills, such as observing and organizing information, making predictions, and communicating ideas and thoughts with art inquiry methods to promote the development of 21st-century skills needed to succeed in the world. View the online curriculum.
Art Resource Tour for Schools Program is sponsored by:
