Resources for Educators and Chaperones
To help you plan a successful and enriching visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum, we offer the following downloadable resources:
Letter to the Principal (PDF)
A ready-to-print letter from Marcelle Polednik, PhD, Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed to support your field trip request. Share this letter with your principal to highlight the educational value of a museum visit and advocate for your class trip.
State Standards (PDF)
All of our tours align with Wisconsin Model Academic Standards and Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. See how our offerings support classroom learning and curriculum goals.
Chaperone Guide (PDF)
A helpful guide for adult chaperones attending the field trip. This PDF includes important reminders about supervising students, museum behavior, and ensuring a safe, engaging experience for all.
Request a Tour
Booking your school or group tour is easy!
Call the Tour Administrator at 414-224-3842
Or register online (link to registration form)
Helpful Planning Tips:
- Reserve early. Be sure to order buses or arrange transportation well in advance.
- Share special needs. Let us know about any accessibility needs when booking.
- The Museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
- Assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available with advance notice.
- Plan your visit length.
After your docent-guided tour, you’re welcome to continue exploring the Museum on your own. Just let us know if you’d like to stay longer when making your reservation.
Before Your Tour
Help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit by completing the following steps:
Confirm Your Headcount
Please confirm the number of students and adults attending at least two weeks before your tour by contacting the Tour Administrator.
Note:
- No changes in headcount or tour/program type will be accepted after the two-week deadline.
- The Museum cannot provide refunds for reduced attendance after payment has been made.
- Payment cannot be accepted at the door.
Prepare Your Students
Watch the Museum Manners video with your class before your visit to review expected behavior in the galleries.
Prepare Your Chaperones
- One chaperone per 10 students is required and admitted free of charge.
- Additional adults will be charged $20 each.
- Share the Chaperone Guide (PDF) with all adults attending.
Organize Student Groups
Divide your class into small groups of 10 students and 1 chaperone.
- Each student and adult must wear a nametag, which serves as their admission into the Museum galleries.
Download the Preparation Guide (PDF) for a additional information, tips, map, and guidelines.
What to Bring
Help your visit go smoothly by making sure your group is prepared with the following:
Nametags
Each student and adult must wear a nametag that you provide. Nametags serve as your group’s admission into the Museum.
Clipboards & Pencils (Optional)
If you plan to have your students write or sketch during the visit, please bring your own:
- Clipboards
- Pencils (no pens or markers)
- Paper or sketchbooks
Please note: Only pencils are permitted in the galleries to help protect the artwork.
What NOT to Bring
To help protect the artwork and ensure a safe, enjoyable visit for all, please leave the following items behind:
Backpacks
Backpacks are not allowed in the galleries.
- Small side-worn purses and bags are acceptable.
Food, Drinks, and Gum
No food, beverages, or gum are permitted in the galleries.
- Please make sure students dispose of these items before arriving at the Museum.
Lunches
The Museum does not have lunch facilities.
- Please plan to eat before or after your visit, off-site.
When You Arrive
Make your arrival smooth by following these steps:
Use the School Group Entrance
All school groups should enter through the School Group Entrance, located north of the Main Entrance on N. Art Museum Drive, unless instructed otherwise by the Tour Administrator.
- Please remain on the bus until greeted by Museum staff.
Bus Parking
Bus parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis along:
- N. Art Museum Drive
- Lincoln Memorial Drive
- Veterans Park and other nearby public parking areas
Arrive on Time
- Please arrive no more than 15 minutes early.
- Late arrivals will result in a shortened tour.
- If your group is more than 20 minutes late, your visit will become self-guided.
Running late? Call us:
- Tour Administrator: 414-224-3842
- Museum Reception: 414-224-3290