BRING YOUR STUDENTS ON A FIELD TRIP THAT'S EDUCATIONAL AND FUN
As a teacher, you have a choice of reserving experiences in the Hot Shop Amphitheater, the galleries, the Education Studio or a combination of all three. A docent will meet your group when you arrive and escort you to your chosen experiences. Each experience lasts 30-minutes and is aligned with Washington State standards. If your group is large (maximum 80 students) or consists of more than one class, we are happy to help you work out a rotating itinerary to get the most from your visit.
Our tours are targeted for grades 5-12, but this does not exclude younger visitors. We are happy to adjust the level of a tour to our audience—we even offer preschool tours.
What will students experience?
Galleries – We identify major themes, stylistic content and aesthetics through careful research to produce an interactive, interpretive experience for students. Students experience the art, are engaged with questions and challenged to draw conclusions.
Education Studio – The art studio provides opportunities for hands-on engagement with the ideas behind the art. An interactive, experiential learning space, the art studio operates as an extension of the Museum’s exhibitions. Each month a new resident artist works on site to enrich student experiences.
Note: A $1 materials fee per student will be charged for groups wishing to participate in the art activity.
Hot Shop – In the Hot Shop Amphitheater, students witness art coming alive! The Museum’s resident team of glass blowers demonstrates the intriguing process of creating art from molten glass. Observing the artists at work enhances each student’s Museum experience by broadening their understanding of the art: the physics and chemistry of glass, as well as its cultural and historical aspects.
Theater – The theater provides a forum for lectures, panels, musical events, drama, storytelling and readings to create multi-faceted learning opportunities and provide a global context for the art. On a typical day, visitors can view a series of special documentaries based on contemporary art and artists and working with the medium of glass.
Can I lead my own tour?
Sorry, the Museum of Glass does not offer self-guided tours for grades K-12.
How much does it cost?
$5 per student ($6 for Science of Art)
$5 per chaperone
$1 Studio art activity fee
You may pay for your group when you arrive for the tour. Please make your payment a single transaction with cash, an organization check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or purchase order. Sorry, we cannot accept coupons, vouchers, family memberships or other discounts with group tours.
Do you provide financial aid?
The Museum has limited funds available to assist schools needing financial aid for transportation or admissions costs. To apply for these funds, download our School Group Funding Request Form. The funds are limited to Washington state schools; schools outside of Seattle and Tacoma will have preference for transportation funds. Awards will be based on need and may be any percentage of total cost.
Financial aid is still available! Thank you to Costco for your support.
Learn about Pierce Transit’s Class Pass Program »
What about lunch?
If you plan to be at the Museum at lunch time, we are happy to provide a stanchioned area for your class to enjoy lunch inside during the colder, wetter days. On more pleasant days, youor group can enjoy eating outside on the Museum’s plaza. Children are welcome to bring a sack lunch or purchase a boxed lunch from the Museum Café.
What about tours for non-school groups?
Please visit our Group Tours page for information.