The Walters Art Museum offers different types of FREE in-person field trips for grades PreK-12. Registration for all field trips is required.
All school programs at the Walters are free thanks to the generosity of our visitors. Please consider a donation of $12 per student for your tour group.
Discovery Visits for Schools
Make your own discoveries at the museum! Students, along with their teachers and chaperones, can choose their own adventure and customize a museum visit. During a Discovery Visit, you can explore the galleries at your own pace, participate in interactive activities at Discovery Carts throughout the museum, and drop by the art-making station in the Sculpture Court. Unlike a traditional museum tour, you decide where you want to go, which museum facilitator you’d like to learn from, and how long you want to stay in each location based on students’ interests and what they are learning in class.
At our Discovery Carts, students can:
- Interact with multisensory materials designed to connect students to diverse cultures throughout history and artistic processes both old and new
- Complete a scavenger hunt that encourages exploration and close looking in nearby galleries
- Write a postcard from the perspective of a person in a portrait or landscape
- Make STEAM connections by learning about the science of caring for artworks
- Talk with a volunteer about art
Additionally, at the art-making station in our Sculpture Court, school groups will create their own artworks inspired by the Walters collection.
What to know before your Discovery Visit:
- Discovery Visits are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Your group can explore the museum in approximately 75 minutes, depending on how long you stay in each area of the museum.
- We can accommodate groups with a maximum of 80 students, with no minimum number of students required to attend.
- Groups that exceed 80 students should plan to visit across multiple dates.
- At least one chaperone is required per every 15 students.
- For more information, including chaperone guidelines, FAQ and a letter of support to share with your school administrator, please refer to our Before You Go guide.
Registration for all field trips is required.
Guided Tours for Schools
Explore the galleries with Walters’ educators and visit our Sculpture Court to make art inspired by the Walters collection!
What to know about your Guided Tour:
- Guided tours are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.
- Tours require a minimum of 15 students and a maximum of 60. At least one chaperone is required per every 15 students.
- The tour plus artmaking will last approximately two hours and 15 minutes, from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
- Depending on size, school groups may be divided into two smaller groups that take turns exploring the galleries and making art.
- For more information, including chaperone guidelines, FAQ, and a letter of support to share with your school administrator, please refer to our Before You Go guide.
Fall 2026 guided tour offerings:
- Ancient Cultures (recommended for grades 2–12): Students examine artifacts that reflect the art, mythologies, culture, and daily life from around the world.
Career Panels (Pilot Program)
Students can hear from a panel of professionals in creative careers, including museum workers, local artists, and people working in historic home restoration. Career panels are 60 minutes and include a Q&A session. This program is currently in its pilot phase and will be opening for registration in the 2026–2027 school year. For more information, or to be put on a waiting list, please contact [email protected].
Bus Reimbursements for Title I Schools
The Walters is pleased to offer a limited number of bus reimbursements to Title I schools throughout the state of Maryland. If you are interested in a bus reimbursement for your Title I school, please check the appropriate box on the registration form. This does not guarantee your reimbursement. If we are able to provide a bus reimbursement, you will receive information in a written confirmation letter via email.
- Your school will be reimbursed after your visit. Schools are responsible for the scheduling and up front cost of the bus.
- If you are scheduled to receive a bus reimbursement, all necessary paperwork must be received by the museum within 30 days of the field trip date. If we do not receive the paperwork within 30 days we will not be able to reimburse your school.
- You must have a minimum number of 25 students in your group to receive a bus reimbursement.
- Bus reimbursements are only available for Maryland schools.
- We realize that some schools receive free or reduced meal plans yet are not categorized as Title I. If this describes your school, please email [email protected] to discuss your specific situation.
- If we have arranged a bus reimbursement for your school and you cancel your tour with less than 48 hours’ notice, your school will be responsible for the cost of the bus.
Accessibility
Accessibility resources and accommodations are available for tours and you can request them via our registration form or you can email [email protected]. We will make every effort to provide accommodations. For ASL and Spanish interpretation, we ask for two weeks advance notice. Our accessibility page provides information on accessibility across the museum.
Parking and Transit
Please review the Group Parking and Transit Information before your visit.
Questions?
Please email [email protected].
School programs at the Walters are funded through the generous support of Herman C. Bainder, The Ruth Carol Fund, City of Baltimore, B.J. and Bill Cowie, Citizens of Baltimore County, The Delaplaine Foundation, The Harry L. Gladding Foundation / Mr. and Mrs. Neal D. Borden, The Goldsmith Family Foundation, Ro & Marius P. Johnson Charitable Legacy, Inc., Howard County Government and the Howard County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, Maryland State Department of Education, Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker, Dr. John J. and Jean Peters Pilch Memorial Fund, The Ruth T. Rauch Early Childhood Program Fund, The Rauch Foundation, The Thomas Wilson Foundation, Truist Foundation, Venable Foundation, The Walters Women’s Committee Legacy Endowment, and the Gladys Winter Fund for Teacher Programs.
