We are currently taking requests for school group guided and self-guided visits to occur between June 26 and August 16, 2013. Guided visits can be scheduled Monday through Friday between 10:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Self-guided visits can be scheduled Sunday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., and Friday and Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Appointments are required of all school groups visiting the Museum. Requests for guided visits must be submitted using the Guided Visit Request Form, and requests for self-guided visits must be submitted using the Self-Guided Visit Request Form.
If you have any questions, you may email schoolvisits@metmuseum.org. Please continue to check this page for the most up-to-date information.
See information about group visits to The Cloisters museum and gardens.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's school tour program is made possible by the generosity of Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman.
Guided Visits
Students and teachers may explore the collection with a Museum staff member, who leads discussions and exercises designed to encourage critical thinking in response to original works of art. Visits are appropriate for the group's grade, level of ability, and subject of interest. Guided visits are offered and recommended for students who are at or above first-grade level and last about an hour.
Group Size
A group may have no fewer than 10 students and no more than 50 students, with one chaperone required for every 10 students. Special education groups may have fewer than 10 students and require one chaperone for every 9 students.
Group Fee
All fees are waived for schools located within the five boroughs of New York City due to the generous support of Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman. Schools outside New York City pay regular group rates:
- Students: $15 each
- One teacher per reservation receives complimentary admission.
- Required adult chaperones (one for every 10 students): $15 each
- Any additional adults: $28 each
- Groups of 15 or fewer: $225 flat fee
The Museum reserves the right to limit the number of adults participating in school group guided visits. Membership and other discounts do not apply to group admission.
Guided Visit Schedule
Guided visits are conducted Monday through Friday, 10:15 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Visit Topics
These thematic topics introduce students to a range of art from different cultures. All materials are provided by the Museum.
- Exploring Art: An Introduction to the Met's Collection
See the world! Develop visual analysis and evidence-based reasoning skills as you explore great works of art across the Met's encyclopedic collection.
- Amazing Animals
Take a walk on the wild side and explore exciting connections between animals and art in the Met's collection.
- Stories and Legends
It's often said that a picture is worth a thousand words; discover the power of storytelling in art across cultures.
- Symbols and Secrets
Work together to unravel hidden messages and find unexpected surprises in great works of art from around the globe.
Request a guided visit appointment.
Self-Guided Visits
Teachers and their students may explore the Museum's encyclopedic collection independently. Please note that self-guided visits also require appointments. All teachers who participate in a K–12 educator program offered by the Museum receive priority registration for self-guided visits to the Museum.
Group Size
A self-guided group may have no fewer than 10 students and no more than 50 students, with one chaperone required for every 10 students. Each school is limited to one group of up to 50 students per day.
Group Fee
All fees are waived for schools located within the five boroughs of New York City due to the generous support of Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman. Schools outside New York City pay regular group rates:
- Students: $9 each
- One teacher per reservation receives complimentary admission.
- Required adult chaperones (one for every 10 students): $9 each
- Any additional adults: $20 each
Membership and other discounts do not apply to group admission.
Self-Guided Visit Schedule
Self-guided appointments are available Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. The Museum cannot guarantee access to all galleries at all times.
Museum Gallery Choices
Use the links below to selected pre-visit guides that will help you prepare for your self-guided visit with your students.
Request a self-guided visit appointment.
Additional Information
Visit Preparation
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Met before bringing your students for a visit. This website includes several valuable resources, including a listing of curatorial departments, a searchable collections database, and the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. You may also participate in one of our K–12 educator programs or visit the Museum's Nolen Library.
You can also see the Museum Map or download a Family Map (PDF).
Please see Group Responsibilities and Guidelines before bringing your group to the Museum.
Cancellation Policy
All requests to change or cancel existing reservations must be made in writing via email to schoolvisits@metmuseum.org. In the email include your name, your telephone number, the six-digit confirmation number, name of the school, and date and time of the visit. Fees cannot be refunded to groups that cancel with less than 2 weeks' notice.
Lunch Facilities
We regret that the Museum does not have indoor lunchroom facilities. Students are welcome to eat in neighboring Central Park. Bag lunches will be stored while you are in the galleries, but please plan to eat outside, on the bus, or at school before or after your visit.
The Cloisters Museum and Gardens
School groups are also welcome at The Cloisters museum and gardens; for information, see Group Visits to The Cloisters. All group visits require reservations. Please call 212-650-2280 to schedule a group visit.
