• Explore our renowned American Art collection and make solid connections to other disciplines, including history, language arts, and social sciences.
• General or specific theme tours can be arranged with museum-trained docents as guides.
• Focus on the "changing American landscape" (with our pilot program, The Changing Urban Landscape: American Artists React) or on the Mohawk Valley (with our pilot program, In Our Own Backyard: Mohawk Valley Views).
• Teachers may also arrange a self-guided or creative writing experience in the galleries.
• Download our School Group Programs Brochure for complete details on tour programs available.

Scheduling a Tour

• Tours are generally 45 minutes to 90 minutes in length, but may be altered to suit a school's needs.
• To schedule your tour, please call (518) 673-2314, ext. 113 at least three weeks in advance.
• You can also use our convenient online TOUR REQUEST FORM to book a tour for your group.

Group Size and Chaperones

• Guided tours are available for groups of 8 or more. Large groups (of 25+) necessitate scheduling multiple docents; extended advanced notice is appreciated
• Chaperones for guided tours are required at the following ratios: one for every 8-10 elementary and middle school students and 12-15 high school students. Twice as many chaperones are required for self-guided tours.
• All students must adhere to the Museum's rules, and adult supervision is required at all times.

Tour Fees

• Guided tours are $4 per student; a pre-arranged art activity may be scheduled for an additional $1 per student.
• Teachers and chaperones are free at the ratios listed above. Additional adults will be charged $4 each.
• A down payment of $10 (non-refundable) or full payment must be paid prior to your museum visit unless other arrangements have been made in writing.
• School groups interested in self-guided tours will also be charged $4 per student.

Tour Logistics

• Our large parking lot provides ample room for school buses.
• All Museum galleries are wheelchair-accessible.

Eating Lunch at the Museum

With advance notice at time of scheduling, your group may reserve the museum's classroom or the Great Hall to eat bagged lunches immediately before or after your tour.

Transportation Funds

Districts that participate in the Arts in Education and/or Exploratory Enrichment CoSers (cooperative services) may be able to receive BOCES aid on their programming costs. Please contact your local BOCES Arts in Education coordinator for more information.

Free or Reduced Admission

Call the Museum for information about funding provided by the Fenimore Asset Management Fund that can also be used to help pay for student admission and/or transportation to the Arkell Museum. All requests must be made at least 3 weeks prior to the tour date to qualify for free admission.

Plan Your School Visit

Please have the following information available when you call or write regarding a visit with your school group:

• Desired date of visit
• Contact person
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Grade level
• Number of students
• Number of adults
• Tour focus or theme
• Lunch plans