Guided Tour Volunteer Program
Volunteers at The Met guide tours and lead gallery chats of the collection and exhibitions to make works of art accessible for students (grades K–12) and adults. We are committed to inclusivity, access, and equity, and believe that The Met Volunteer Organization should represent the diversity of New York City.
In addition to giving tours and leading gallery chats, guides enjoy an extensive program of continuing education provided by Museum curators, conservators, arts educators, and other experts.
What We're Looking For
Prospective guides should have an interest in learning about art and art history, working with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and facilitating positive museum experiences. An art background is not required; training and support are provided.
How to Apply
The application for new guided tour opportunities will be open February 9 to March 9, 2026. The Guided Tour Program is accepting applications for the following volunteer roles:
Weekend Highlights Tour Guide - English
Introduce new visitors to the Museum and engage returning visitors with an overview of The Met collection. Weekend Highlights tours are conducted on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays in English at Met Fifth Avenue. Training will take place January–June 2027 on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. All are welcome to apply—no experience required!
Application open February 9–March 9
Attend an Information Session
International Tour Guide - Korean and Mandarin
Introduce new visitors to the Museum and engage returning visitors with an overview of The Met collection. Applications are open for Highlights tours in Korean and Mandarin at Met Fifth Avenue. Priority will be given to applicants who are able to volunteer on weekends. Training will take place January–June 2027 on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. All are welcome to apply—no experience required!
Application open February 9–March 9
Attend an Information Session
Museum Department Programs and Assignments
Adult Tours
Highlights Tours
Introduce new visitors to the Museum and engage returning visitors with tours providing an overview of The Met collection.
International Tours
Lead Highlights Tours or Collection Tours in one of ten languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.
Collection Tours
Lead a focused look into a specific area or type of art in The Met collection. Guides may apply to join a specific collection group after first serving as a Highlights, International Highlights, or School Programs guide.
Weekend Tours
Lead Highlights and Collection Tours or International Tours on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
School Tours
Time commitment following training: Weekdays only. One weekly tour during the school year and two camp or community group tours over the summer.
First Views (K–3)
Lead thematic tours that develop observational skills, discover connections between different cultures, and foster an appreciation of the arts. Includes sketching in the galleries.
Grades 4–12
Create a dialogue with students to make learning about art an engaging experience.
The Met Cloisters
Explore the art and culture of the Middle Ages for students in grades K–12.
Training
Learn from experts across the Museum in a weekly, six-month, classroom and gallery-based program. A mix of virtual and onsite sessions introduce The Met collection, provide teaching techniques for engaging audiences, and prepare you to develop and lead introductory tours for adults or school groups and gallery chats for adults.