School Tours
Unleash the power of experiential learning by booking a field trip to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Transport your students to a world of artistic wonder, where their curiosity will be sparked, creativity will flourish, and collaboration will thrive. Museum experiences are designed to deepen students’ understanding of art, promote cultural appreciation, and nurture critical thinking skills. Tours are aligned with Florida B.E.S.T. standards and 21st Century Skills.
Don’t miss out on these engaging educational experiences — reserve your field trip or virtual tour today!
Contact us at SchoolTours@cummermuseum.org for more information.
Tour Themes
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
My Outdoor World
Explore the outdoor world through art, music, literature, and movement. Investigate our relationship with animals, plants, and the St. Johns River.
Kindergarten and Grade 1
The Art of Portraiture
View portraits from different cultures and time periods and learn about each individual’s identity and background through clues like facial expressions, clothing, and hairstyles.
Grades 1, 2 and 3
Elements of Art
Explore the building blocks that artists use to create their work.Learn how connected lines create two-dimensional shapes and shapes in three dimensions create forms.
Grade 3 through Grade 12
Cummer Family Legacy
From the impressive philanthropic endeavors to the lasting cultural contributions the Cummer family has had a significant impact on Jacksonville. Discover the Museum's fascinating past while exploring artworks from Ninah Cummer’s original collection.
Grade 4 through Grade 12
Celebrating Diversity
Explore topics of inclusion and representation through examining the creativity of notable artists from diverse backgrounds.
Middle through High School, College
General Art History
(Geared toward classes studying art history) Examine and discuss a variety of works ranging from an Ancient Egyptian stele to paintings by 20th century masters.
Museum Highlights
Explore the Museum’s diverse collection of works—from ancient objects and historically significant gardens to works by contemporary artists.
Special Exhibitions
Guided tours include a stop in one of our special exhibitions when the subject or concept aligns with the tour theme.
Outside: In
Through November 2023
Outside: In brings together works by global contemporary artists who draw inspiration from the natural world and work in a variety of media, including painting, photography, and assemblage.
Jacksonville’s Norman Studios
Through January 2024
This exhibition features original movie posters used to promote Norman Studio’s films.
Maia Cruz Palileo: Days Later, Down River
October through December 2023
Filipino-American artist Maia Cruz Palileo navigates themes of migration and the persistence of tacit knowledge in the face of assimilation.
Tattoos in Japanese Prints from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
October 27, 2023 through January 14, 2024
The exhibition explores the social background, iconography, and visual splendor of Japanese tattoos through the printed media that helped to carry them from the streets of Edo-period Japan to 21st-century tattoo shops all over the world.
Drawn Together: From Sketch to Masterpiece
January through September 2024
Visualize the artist’s process through this exhibition, which pairs some of visitor’s favorite American paintings in the Cummer Museum’s permanent collection with smaller study drawings that reveal
how each artist conceptualized the scene.
Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960
February 24 through May 19, 2024
Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960 is the first exhibition to explore the evolution of women’s sporting attire in Western fashion
over this 160-year period.
Opportunities for Educators
The Museum offers a variety of professional development opportunities for educators and community program staff. Let us work with you to explore creative ways to connect you and your students to art and gardens.
We also offer opportunities to socialize and learn more about the Museum at our Teachers’ Lounge events.
Upcoming Teachers’ Lounge Events
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 and Tuesday, February 27, 2024
5 – 7 p.m., Free, Registration Required
Make the Museum part of your School Year!
Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday, October through May.
Field Trips
Guided tours, led by trained Docents, engage students in close looking and artful thinking with art and gardens throughout the Museum’s campus. Students explore, discuss, and document artwork through artful activities they will take back to class.
Guided in-person tours (75 minutes): $10 per student, chaperones free. Maximum 60 students per time slot. Available Tuesday through Friday, October through May. $50 non-refundable deposit required. Book your guided tour now!
Self-guided visits let your group explore the Museum on your own at your own pace. Educational materials are available to help direct your experience through the galleries and gardens.
Self-guided visits: $8 per person, minimum 10 people. Available all year long.
Virtual Tours
Guided live virtual tours allow students to explore five to seven artworks and gardens up close from the comfort of their classroom.
Email SchoolTours@cummermuseum.org to book your guided virtual tour now!
School Tours – Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have materials to help me prepare my students for our visit?
Educator resource packets are available at: www.cummermuseum.org/visit/education/school-tours#teacher-resources. The packets include an overview of what you and your students will experience while at the Museum as well as content standards and relevant vocabulary addressed during your tour. Pre- and post-visit activities are also included for you to complete before and after your visit.
What time is my tour and what time should I arrive?
Tours are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and last 75 minutes. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow time for check-in. For virtual tours, access the platform five minutes before tours are scheduled to begin.
If your group is running late, we will need to shorten your tour to fit within the time allotted. If you need to leave early, please let us know as soon as possible so that we may adjust your experience for optimal results.
Your tour time and date will be in your confirmation email. If any information changes on your end, such as participation numbers, contact schooltours@cummermuseum.org immediately.
Will I need to divide my class or group?
Guided in-person tours:
Classes and groups will be split into groups of no more than 15 students in each touring group, plus 2 chaperones. The classes and groups will be split the following way:
15 students or less = 1 touring group
16-30 students = 2 touring groups
31-45 students = 3 touring groups
46-60 students = 4 touring groups
Guided virtual tours:
Every virtual tour is for one classroom or homeroom group. No need to split into smaller groups.
Self-Guided visits:
Groups must be divided into smaller groups or 10 students or less to navigate the Museum. We recommend each group having a ratio of one chaperone per 10 students. All students must remain under the direct supervision of chaperones during your visit. Click here for helpful information to know before you visit.
How many teachers/chaperones do I need to bring for each touring group and what will chaperones do?
Please bring 2 adult chaperones per 15 students.
During the tour chaperones assist in monitoring the students and handing materials out.
When and where do I pay for my tour?
Guided tours are invoiced after your visit. You will receive an invoice to the email account that registered for the tour. Payment is due within 14 days.
If you are on a self-guided visit, you have the option to pay at the door (check, cash, credit card) or to be invoiced after your visit.
Are scholarships available?
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Museum has funds available to provide free tours and transportation for Title I and select schools and community organizations in Duval and surrounding counties. Please email SchoolTours@cummermuseum.org to learn more about eligibility.
Does my group have to leave the Museum right away after our tour?
Your group is welcome to stay in the Museum to explore more after your guided tour. All students must remain under the direct supervision of chaperones during this time.
Can my group eat at the Museum or in the gardens?
The Museum does not have a picnic area for your group to eat lunch. There are two parks (Memorial Park and Riverside Park) within walking distance that are great options.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Endowment
Ida Broward Boyd and Crowther Mann Boyd Endowment
CELEBRATED SPONSOR
Community First Cares Foundation
Next Generation Fund of the Bradley-Turner Foundation
PROGRAM SPONSOR
Rosenberg Family Foundation
PROGRAM PARTNER
Cummer Beaches
Cummer Nassau