K-12 and University Tours
The Walker offers interactive, learner-centered, and inquiry-based explorations of the galleries and/or the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for school groups of all ages. All guided tours are led by experienced museum educators and can be customized to focus on specific themes and exhibitions. Walker tours support learning for students of all ages, abilities, and familiarity with contemporary and modern art. Our K-12 tours are designed to align with Minnesota Academic Standards.
Our University Partnership program offers unlimited free admission for students and faculty
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are led by experienced museum educators and are available for school and youth groups of 50 or less. One chaperone is required per 15 students. Thematic tours include: Intro to Contemporary Art (K-12), STEAM (K-8), Social Studies (K-12), and English Language Arts (K-12). Customized options are available for Special Education classrooms (including Citywide Autism Program and inclusive classrooms). All Guided Tours must be scheduled 3-4 weeks in advance.
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Group Visits
Self-guided group visits are a good option for groups of 10 or more that are familiar with the Walker’s collection and comfortable using our Resources for Learning. Our resources include downloadable exhibition guides, and lesson plans to prepare for or continue students’ learning after your visit. Self-guided group visits are free but must be scheduled at least one week in advance. Reservations are not required for self-guided visits to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. One chaperone is required per 10 students.
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Free Virtual Tours for K-12 Students
Interested in bringing art from the Walker Art Center to your classroom? Our virtual tours guide students through a 30-minute presentation of 3-4 works from our collection. Virtual tours include observation and interpretation exercises. Custom tours are available for a fee.
| Visit Type | Group Size Limit | Visit Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Gallery Tours | 50 Students | 1 hr. (45 min. for K–2 groups) |
Title 1 or 60% free/reduced lunch: Free Non-Title 1 schools: $3 per student Partnered universities/colleges: Up to 5 guided tours free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student |
| Guided Garden Tour* | 50 Students | 1 hr. (45 min. for K–2 groups) |
Title 1 or 60% free/reduced lunch:
Free Non-Title 1 schools: $3 per student Partnered universities/colleges: Up to 5 guided tours free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student |
| Guided Gallery & Garden Tour* | 50 Students | 2 hrs. (1.5 hrs. For K–2 groups) |
Title 1 or 60% free/reduced lunch:
Free Non-Title 1 schools: $3 per student Partnered universities/colleges: Up to 5 guided tours free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student |
| Self-Guided Gallery Visit | 75 Students (Grades 6–12 only) | Unlimited |
All Grade 6–12 groups: Free Partnered universities/colleges: Free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student Free for anyone 18 or under |
| Self-Guided Garden Visit | Unlimited | Unlimited | All groups: Free |
*Minneapolis Sculpture Garden tours are available May–October.
Questions? Contact tours@walkerart.org or call (612) 375-7609.
Themes for Guided Tours
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Intro to Contemporary Art tours guide students through the process of close looking and critical analyses of contemporary artworks. These tours are designed to develop skills to promote questioning and interpretation of works.
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STEAM tours are our most requested tours after Intro to Contemporary Art. These tours focus on the intersection of art and STEM, exploring questions of scale and developing critical thinking.
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ELA tours explore artworks in the Walker’s collection to reveal how elements of art operate like language to identify characters, weave plots, and tell stories.
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Social Studies tours approach artworks that delve into history and contemporary issues to speak on the human condition. Attendees will explore the artist’s background and intention, and make connections with current and historical events.
Accessibility
The Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are wheelchair accessible. For more information about accessibility, visit our visit our Access page. For questions about accessibility, or to request additional accommodations, call (612) 375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
Download Our Digital Guide
Expand your understanding of the art on view in the Walker’s galleries and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, with our digital guide on the free Bloomberg Connects app.
Before Your Visit
Share the pre-visit video (above) with any K–12 classroom or use the Field Trip Prep lesson plans (below) to introduce your students to the Walker. These will help them feel prepared and excited for their visit. The Social Narrative is another helpful tool for younger students and students who may feel nervous about the field trip.
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Grades K–5 Field Trip Prep
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Grades 6–12 Field Trip Prep
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Social Narrative
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For Chaperones
Download a chaperone guide to learn how you can help ensure a successful visit to the museum.
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Bus Parking & Drop-off
Students should be dropped off on Vineland Place, at our front entrance (view map). Buses can park in the nearby Parade lot, but must submit a permit application.
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School Bus Fund
Need help getting here? The Walker offers scholarships to assist with transportation. Apply for a scholarship.
