![Students on a gallery tour observing work by Tom Patti [Photo: Justin Kuravackal]](/images/subheaders/charles-wright-tour-patti.jpg "Students on a gallery tour observing work by Tom Patti")
School Tours
As a teacher, you have a choice of reserving experiences in the Hot Shop Amphitheater, the galleries, the art 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.
We focus on 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.
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 $1.00 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.
How do I make a reservation?
Please schedule your tour a minimum of two weeks in advance and have a credit card ready to hold your reservation. Keep in mind that it’s first reserved, first served, so to make sure you get to enjoy all the experiences that interest you, make your reservation early.
To make a reservation, contact Elisabeth Emerson: 253.284.4713 or tours@museumofglass.org
After you book the tour, we’ll send you pre-visit materials including an classroom lessons, driving directions and a confirmation letter. If the confirmation details don't match what you intended to book, give us a call as soon as you can (it helps to have your confirmation number handy).
How much does it cost?
$4 per student ($5 for Science of Art)
$4 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 (pdf file). 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.
What if I have to cancel?
Please call Elisabeth Emerson at 253.284.4713 at least 72 hours prior to your visit if you must cancel your tour. We will do everything we can to help you reschedule. “No Shows” will be charged a $30 processing fee to the credit card or purchase order used to hold the reservation.
Can I lead my own tour?
Sorry, the Museum does not offer self-guided tours for grades K-12.
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, teachers and students enjoy eating outside on the Museum’s esplanade. Children are welcome to bring a sack lunch or purchase a boxed lunch from the Museum Café. For information about ordering boxed lunches, please contact the Museum Café at 253.627.2555.
