K–12 and University Tours
The Walker offers interactive, learner-centered, and inquiry-based explorations of the galleries and/or the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for school groups of all ages.
All guided tours are led by experienced museum educators and can be customized to focus on specific themes and exhibitions. Walker tours support learning for students of all ages, abilities, and familiarity with contemporary and modern art. Our K–12 tours are designed to align with Minnesota Academic Standards.
Our College & University Partnership program offers unlimited free admission for students and faculty.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are led by experienced museum educators and are available for school and youth groups of 65 or less. One chaperone is required per 10 students. Thematic tours are available, including customized options for Special Education classrooms (including Citywide Autism Program and inclusive classrooms). Guided tours can also be paired with a related art-making lesson in the Art Lab.
All guided tours must be scheduled 3–4 weeks in advance.
Group Visits
Self-led group visits are a good option for groups of 10 or more that are familiar with the Walker’s collection and comfortable using our Resources for Learning. Our resources include downloadable exhibition guides and lesson plans to prepare for or continue students’ learning after your visit.
Self-led group visits must be scheduled at least one week in advance. Reservations are not required for self-led visits to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. One chaperone is required per 10 students.
Free Virtual Tours
Interested in bringing art from the Walker Art Center to your classroom? Our virtual tours guide K–12 students through a 30-minute presentation of 3–4 works from our collection. Virtual tours include observation and interpretation exercises. Custom tours are available for a fee.
| Visit Type | Group Size Limit | Visit Length | Price |
| Guided Gallery Tours | 65 Students | 1 hr. (45 min. for K–2 groups) | K–12 Groups: Free
Optional K–12 Art Lab add on: Free Partnered universities/colleges: Up to 5 guided tours free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student |
| Guided Garden Tour (May–October) | 65 Students | 1 hr. (45 min. for K–2 groups) | K–12 Groups: Free
Optional K–12 Art Lab add on: Free Partnered universities/colleges: Up to 5 guided tours free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student |
| Guided Gallery & Garden Tour (May–October) | 65 Students | 2 hrs. (1.5 hrs. for K–2 groups) | K–12 Groups: Free
Partnered universities/colleges: Up to 5 guided tours free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student |
| Self-led Gallery Visit | 75 Students (Grades 6–12 + University/College only) | Unlimited | K–12 Groups: Free
Partnered universities/colleges: Up to 5 guided tours free Non-partnered universities/colleges: $12 per student Free for anyone 18 or under |
| Self-led Garden Visit | Unlimited | Unlimited | All groups: Free |
*Minneapolis Sculpture Garden tours are available May–October.
Questions? Contact tours@walkerart.org or call 612-375-7609.
Themes for K–12 Guided Tours
Intro to Contemporary Art tours guide students through the process of close looking and critical analyses of contemporary artworks. These tours are designed to develop skills to promote questioning and interpretation of artworks.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) tours focus on the intersection of art and STEM, exploring questions of scale and developing critical thinking.
ELA (English Language Arts) tours explore artworks in the Walker’s collection to reveal how elements of art operate like language to identify characters, weave plots, and tell stories.
Social Studies tours approach artworks that delve into history and contemporary issues to speak on the human condition. Attendees will explore the artist’s background and intention and make connections with current and historical events.
Guided Tour Add-On: Art Labs
K–12 groups also have the option to add an Art Lab to their Guided Tour experience. Art Labs are typically 45–60 minutes in length and invite students to participate in a hands-on art-making lesson related to the themes they explore in their K–12 Guided Tour.
Need Help Getting Here?
The Walker offers up to $400 per visit to cover the cost of a bus for any K–12 groups visiting the Walker for a Guided Tour thanks to The Alene Grossman Memorial Fund. Just request a bus when filling out your Tour Request Form.
In-School Residencies
Bring the Walker to your K–12 classroom through an in-school residency. Walker educators facilitate a discussion-based lesson about works from the Walker’s collection, followed by a related art-making project. Residencies and all materials are free and provided by the Walker Art Center.
Accessibility
The Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are wheelchair accessible. For more information about accessibility, visit our visit our Access page.
For questions about accessibility, or to request additional accommodations, call (612) 375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
Download our digital guide
Expand your understanding of the art on view in the Walker’s galleries and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, with our digital guide on the free Bloomberg Connects app.
Before Your Visit
Share the pre-visit video (above) with any K–12 classroom or use the Field Trip Prep lesson plans (below) to introduce your students to the Walker. These will help them feel prepared and excited for their visit. The Social Narrative is another helpful tool for younger students and students who may feel nervous about the field trip.
Grades K–5 Field Trip Prep
Grades 6–12 Field Trip Prep
Social Narrative
For Chaperones
Download a chaperone guide to learn how you can help ensure a successful visit to the museum.
Bus Parking & Drop-off