The Harvard Art Museums provide a valuable resource for K–12 students and teachers. Works of art from across time and place invite close observation, critical thinking, and opportunities for students to learn about the world and about themselves. Professional development workshops for teachers illuminate our collections and exhibitions, emphasizing object-based teaching and offering thoughtful activities that support classroom studies and the Common Core Curriculum.

The Art Museums are engaged in a major renovation and expansion project at 32 Quincy Street. The new state-of-the-art museum facility will help the museums better fulfill our teaching and research mission; dramatically increase access to our world-class collections for students, faculty, and visitors; and create an enhanced platform for teaching with original works of art. Ultimately, the new facility will enable the Art Museums to provide more resources and services than ever before. To prepare for the opening of the new building, we need to focus our time, staff, and resources on this transition, and must make some changes related to group visits.

Beginning September 4, 2012, we will temporarily suspend guided group tours, with the exception of those with our established multi-visit/partnership K–12 schools. Self-guided group tours are welcome, but groups of eight or more must register online three weeks in advance. Admission for K-12 groups is free. Massachusetts teachers can apply for field trip transportation funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

We also encourage the use of our extensive online collections.