Education
K-12 School Programs

School programs at the Columbia Museum of Art are nationally recognized for their excellence in providing students of all ages state and national standards-based cross-curricular learning experiences. There are a variety of age-specific programs from which to choose that encourage learning through interactive activities. Programs for students in grades Pre-K through 12 can also include a meaningful, hands-on art-making experience in the studio. Suggestions for pre- and post-visit activities are included with the confirmation materials that you will receive.

High school students can explore the Museum on many intellectual levels. Choose a program from those listed below, or contact the School Programs Coordinator for special requests at least one month in advance. We are happy to work with you to develop a program that complements your curriculum.

All school groups, including self-guided groups, must have a reservation.
When you are ready to book a tour for your class, click here for easy steps to get you started.

Cost: Guided tours are $3 per student. Self-guided tours are $2 per student.
The required number of chaperones is admitted free (one adult per 10 students) and additional chaperones are $3 per person. There is a $35 non-refundable reservation deposit, and no discounts or special offers apply to group admission rates.
Chaperones: Chaperones are required to stay with their group at all times. It is the responsibility of the chaperones to make sure that students behave appropriately in the Museum and are respectful to staff and other visitors. The required number of chaperones is one adult per 10 students.
Snacks and Lunch: Boyd Plaza, in front of the Museum, is a lovely spot for enjoying bag lunches on sunny days. Finlay Park, located within one block of the Museum, is also a great location. Your pre-visit packet will include a listing of nearby casual dining restaurants.


Let's Explore
Preschool - Kindergarten (tour and studio)
Our youngest visitors have an enjoyable first museum experience that teaches them to "touch," "hear," "smell," and "taste" with their eyes and imaginations. This highly interactive tour focuses on the five senses and encourages discovery through movement and the handling of objects in a fun and appropriate way for our youngest visitors.
(Program length: 90 minutes)

Art Safari
Preschool - Kindergarten (tour and studio) Animals can be found hidden in the corners of paintings and crouching in the foreground of relief sculpture. Students have an opportunity to search for animals in the galleries while they learn about the ways in which painters and sculptors incorporated the world of nature into their art. This highly interactive tour encourages discovery through movement and the handling of objects in a fun and appropriate way for our youngest visitors.
(Program length: 90 minutes)

The Language of Art
1st - 5th grade (tour and studio)
Students discover the visual language of color, line, shape, texture and space, while learning key concepts and terms such as portrait, landscape, still life and sculpture. An exploration of the materials that artists have used through the ages is followed by a hands-on project in the studios.
(Program length: 120 minutes)

The Third Dimension
1st - 5th grade (tour and studio)
This program focuses on three-dimensional objects, such as furniture, sculpture, ceramics and glass. Children learn about the materials used to make these objects and discuss their uses.
(Program length: 120 minutes)

Framing America
4th - 12th grade (tour and studio)
Works of art are often unconsciously molded by the spirit of the time in which they were created. Students gain a greater understanding of United States history as they explore selected 18th, 19th and 20th century works in the Museum's collection.
(Program Length: 120 minutes)

Point of View
5th - 9th grade (tour and studio)
This program focuses on the visual techniques artists use to express their point of view. Students examine art that employs techniques such as one-point perspective and discuss the message expressed by the artist. Objects from both the museum collection and special exhibitions are used to explore the variety of ways in which artists throughout history express their point of view.
(Program length: 120 minutes)

Echoes of the Ancients
6th - 12th grade (tour only)
This tour covers the basic elements of Greek art, how the Romans utilized these elements and created new approaches to art and architecture, and finally, the ways in which these ancient cultures influenced the art of the Western world from the Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classical periods.
(Program length: 60 minutes)

What's the Deal with Museums Anyway?
9th - 12th grade (tour only)
What is the purpose of a museum in today's society? How does art reflect society? What is art? Who decides?! Does society exert an influence on the art world? How do terms such as "the academy" and "avant-garde" reflect the relationship between the visual arts and society? These are some of the questions discussed in this highlights tour. Tours for this program use the Museum's collection as well as special exhibitions.
(Program length: 60 minutes)

The Art of the Renaissance
9th - 12th grade (tour only)
Students discuss the Italian Renaissance and its effect on Western art. The primary focus is on European paintings in the Museum's collection, but works from special exhibitions are included when appropriate.
(Program length: 60 minutes)

Special Exhibitions
1st - 12th grade (tour and studio on request)
Students are provided with an in-depth gallery talk on a specific exhibition. Questions and group interaction are encouraged.

Note: Please review the exhibition schedule and be prepared to specify topic when the reservation is made.

(Program length: 60 minutes, 120 minutes with studio component)