School Tours
The Dennos Museum Center offers guided tours for grades Pre-K through 12, as well as for scouts, college classes, and adult groups. A guided tour with a volunteer docent is a great way to engage learners in making relevant and meaningful connections to their lives and classroom studies. Trained docents encourage creativity, collaborative discussion, and critical thinking while participants share stories about the artwork and artifacts they experience. While guided tours are always encouraged, you are welcome to schedule a self-guided tour as needed.
"One thing I liked about the Dennos Museum were the people there. They were very kind and respectful. It was an awesome field trip and I hope other kids are looking forward to it also."
Scheduling
Please complete a tour request form online. We request that you contact us at least 3 weeks in advance for scheduling purposes. Plan for 1-3 hours for your tour, depending on your tour experience. Limiting group size to 60 students or less is encouraged, but accommodations can be made for larger groups. Call (231) 995-1029 or email eceleste@nmc.edu with any questions regarding tours.
Cost
Admission is $5 per student (all grades Pre-K–12) for docent guided tours. See self-guided tour information below. Teachers/staff and chaperones receive free admission. Scholarships are available if you are unable to cover the costs of your visit. Requests for scholarship funds are made on the tour request form above.
GUIDED TOURS
Museum staff and volunteers will work with you to create an enriching experience for your group. Choose from the tour descriptions below or let us know if you have specific activities or exhibitions in mind. A related art project may also be included.
Suggestions for a successful guided experience:
- Schedule at least 3 weeks in advance of your visit
- Discuss your goals with a volunteer docent before the day of the tour
- Plan ahead - preview the galleries for free
- Make sure you have enough adult chaperones - review the Museum manners here.
- Make nametags for everyone to wear
- Remember: Writing, sketching, discussing, and even singing are great ways to engage your students in the galleries
Inuit Art & Culture (All Grades)
Explore one of the largest collections of Inuit art in the United States while learning about Inuit culture, past and present. This longstanding program includes discussion, games, artmaking, and other activities as designed in collaboration with you.
Looking to Learn (Grades Pre-K–2)
Look, think, and play games while learning about art and museums. This tour is a great way to introduce students to their community art museum. Explore geometric and organic shapes along with the ins-and-outs of the color wheel.
Tell Me About It (Grades 3–5)
Focus on stories and storytelling while discussing a variety of art. Look closely and share stories while exercising writing skills and thinking creatively. Students will work in small groups to develop stories for the written page, oral storytelling, and theatrical performance.
Full STEAM Ahead (GRADES 6–8)
Why do artists paint landscapes? How do artists make something 2D look 3D? What happens when you draw a 3D sculpture from different angles? Explore these and other questions while working together in the galleries. Find connections between Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math on this interactive tour, while practicing observation skills and critical thinking.
Processes & Cultures (GRADES 9–12)
Develop a deeper understanding of what it means to live in a global society while viewing art from around the world. Discuss a variety of media and techniques and their connections to culture. Painting, carving, printmaking, and other approaches can be explored.
Need something a little different?
Museum staff and volunteers are happy to help you design the ideal learning experience for you and your students. Please contact us to start the process. Check out our temporary exhibitions to get inspired.
Self-GUIDED TOURS
You are welcome to visit with your class for a self-guided tour. You must have 1 chaperone per 10 students. Scheduling remains the same as guided tours. Admission for self-guided tours is $4 per student (K-12). Teachers/staffand chaperones receive free admission.
Suggestions for a successful self-guided experience:
- Schedule in advance of your visit
- Plan ahead - preview the galleries and have an assignment ready
- Make sure you have enough adult chaperones - review the Museum manners here
- Pencils and paper only, please
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR SELF-GUIDED VISITS
Writing Activities
Have students write poetry, letters, or essays based on artworks in the gallery. Pencils and clipboards can be provided at the Dennos front desk.
Sketching in the Galleries
Bring drawing paper, boards and pencils and sketch works in the galleries or the museum spaces. Follow a theme or technique for a more meaningful experience.
Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Focus on the elements and principles as a way to engage students in using art vocabulary. Resources are available here.
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