K-12

The painters had to make their own paint. The ingredients for the tempera paint were egg yolk, water and pigments. The apprentice used a mortar and pestle to make the pigment. He had to press down and twist the rocks to make the pigment smooth like baby powder.—Anthony E., Third Grade, Kennedy/Longfellow School, Cambridge

K–12 students come to the Art Museums to learn more about the world around them and, indeed, about themselves. With an emphasis on careful looking, our school programs help young students engage with thoughtfully selected works of art in ways that support their classroom studies. Back at school, students may create a project that extends the museum experience and helps them discover the artist and writer within.

Works of art are powerful catalysts for curiosity and discussion. Many young visitors become fascinated with the artwork and the stories of the materials, the cultures, and the people who made the works of art in front of them—whether it’s an energetic Jackson Pollock, a colorful impressionist landscape, or an ancient marble statue of a goddess. Each encounter with art helps to develop students’ critical thinking skills, creative expression, and ability to communicate. Gallery lessons are designed to teach these vital intellectual skills, as well as to convey important information and ideas in the realm of art and culture. Check out our calendar to find special workshops developed by the Education Department. 

We offer both introductory visits and multiple visit partnerships to school groups. Teachers are invited to consult with Education staff to arrange for one or more gallery lessons that will support student learning and relate to the classroom curriculum. Massachusetts teachers can apply for field trip transportation funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council: http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/bigyellow.asp. 

2012–13 Guidelines for K–12 School Groups

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In 2008 the building at 32 Quincy Street, formerly the home of the Fogg and Busch-Reisinger museums, closed for a major renovation. During this renovation, the Arthur M. Sackler Museum at 485 Broadway remains open and has been reinstalled with examples of the finest works representing the collections of all three museums. Works on view include selections from Asian and Islamic collections, Western art from antiquity to 1900, and a selection of international modern and contemporary art. Special exhibitions include Recent Acquisitions, Part I: Contemporary Photographs (January 31–March 3, 2012) and Lyonel Feininger: Photographs, 1928–1939 (March 30–June 2, 2012).

We have created guidelines to help you plan your class visit:

• Guided school group tours will be offered Tuesday–Friday at 10am. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to check bags, use restrooms, etc., so your visit may begin on time.

• School groups requiring a gallery teacher must be booked at least three weeks in advance. When you call, please be prepared with several possible dates for your visit, as our gallery calendar fills up quickly during the academic year.

• Group size for K–12 is limited to 30–45 students, depending on the specifics of your lesson plan. The group will be subdivided into units of approximately 12–15 students; it would be helpful if you could do this before arriving at the museum.

We are pleased to offer the following lesson plans, which can be modified for all ages:

1. Introduction to the Harvard Art Museums (maximum of 45 students, 60–75 minutes in galleries)

2. Introduction to Asian Art (maximum of 30 students, 60 minutes)

3. Art, Storytelling, and Literature (maximum of 45 students, 60–75 minutes in galleries)

4. The Artist's Role in Society (maximum of 45 students, 75 minutes in galleries)

Please contact the Education Department at 617-496-8576 for more information and to schedule your class visit.