Inquiry-based tours at the Weisman Art Museum offer a closer look at the artwork on view. Beyond offering contextual information, tour guides aim to provide an interactive experience that will challenge notions of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ ways to engage with art. Tours are shaped by the research interests of the guides and the needs of visiting groups.
The Weisman provides two types of tour experiences:
Guided tours, led by student tour guides or staff, typically last 60-90 minutes depending on the level of audience participation. Guided tours will be provided during hours which align with student and/or professional staff schedules.
Self-guided tours are available at any time during museum open hours. These printed booklets lead visitors through an exploration of six works of art and offer moments of self or group reflection. We are able to provide the same tour booklet for everyone in your group or a varied selection.
Either of the above type of tour may be amended with workshops or activities.
Booking
Begin the booking process by filling out the booking inquiry form below. You will receive a follow up email within one week to finalize the scheduling process. Please book guided and self-guided visits within 2-3 weeks of the preferred date.
Note that filling out the form below does not guarantee or confirm that we have scheduled your visit. Please wait to hear back from us or contact [email protected] to ensure that your visit is scheduled.
Group Visits
We ask any group of nine or more people to inform us about your planned visit at least two weeks in advance, even if you are not interested in a guided tour or self-guided tour materials. This helps us ensure that we have appropriate staffing levels in the galleries to adequately prepare for your visit. Please email [email protected] to schedule a group visit or with any other questions.
To arrange a tour, begin the booking process by filling out the tour booking inquiry form below. You will receive a follow up email within a week to finalize the scheduling process. Please book guided and self-guided visits within 2-3 weeks of the preferred date.
Group Visit FAQs
What do you consider a group?
Groups are defined as a minimum of nine people and are limited to 25, due to the conversational nature of tours. Larger groups will be divided, each with their own separate guide.
Do I have to schedule a visit if I’m coming with a group of people to simply look around?
We ask any group of nine or more people to inform us about your planned visit at least two weeks in advance, even if you are not interested in a guided tour or self-guided tour materials. This helps us ensure that we have appropriate staffing levels in the galleries to adequately prepare for your visit.
Please email [email protected] to schedule a group visit.
Why are groups asked to schedule self guided visits?
Scheduling helps us prepare for you and ensures that all visitors are comfortable. Most of our front-of-house staff are undergraduate students and while we support our staff to be nimble and welcoming, we are mindful that, for many, this is their first museum job. Advance notice allows us to set our student staff up for success and helps to prevent overcrowding in the galleries.
How many chaperones should I bring with my K-12 group?
For every ten K-12 students we require one adult chaperone.
How long do tours last?
On average, guided and custom tours typically last between 45 to 90 minutes. However, these visits are conversational and inquiry-based, so timing can vary depending on group size and engagement level.
How long are guided workshops?
Close-looking workshops at WAM range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the content and goals of your group.
What is the optimal number of participants for a guided experience?
We recommend 10–15 participants per group to support a conversational, inquiry-based approach and to ensure everyone feels comfortable engaging. For adult or university groups of 20 or more, we’ll split the group into smaller groups, each with a dedicated guide, to maintain a welcoming and participatory environment. K–12 groups of 16 or more are also divided into smaller groups to allow for age-appropriate pacing and discussion. This structure helps ensure each participant has space to speak, reflect, and be heard.
Pricing
All tour offerings are currently free of charge.