School Tours
The Dennos Museum Center offers guided tours for grades Pre-K through 12, as well as for scouts, college classes, and adult groups. A guided tour with a volunteer docent is a great way to engage learners in making relevant and meaningful connections to their lives and classroom studies. Trained docents encourage creativity, collaborative discussion, and critical thinking while participants share stories about the artwork and artifacts they experience. While guided tours are always encouraged, you are welcome to schedule a self-guided tour as needed.
"One thing I liked about the Dennos Museum were the people there. They were very kind and respectful. It was an awesome field trip and I hope other kids are looking forward to it also."
Scheduling
Please complete a tour request form online. We request that you contact us at least 3 weeks in advance for scheduling purposes. Plan for 1-2 hours for your tour, depending on your tour experience. Limiting group size to 60 students or less is encouraged, but accommodations can be made for larger groups. Call (231) 995-1029 or email eceleste@nmc.edu with any questions regarding tours.
Cost
60 students or fewer : $25
Groups larger than 60 students : $50
Scholarships are available if you are unable to cover the costs of your visit or need help with transportation fees. Requests for scholarship funds are made on the tour request form above.
GUIDED TOURS
Museum staff and volunteers will work with you to create an enriching experience for your group. Choose from the tour descriptions below or let us know if you have specific activities or exhibitions in mind. A related art project may also be included.
Suggestions for a successful guided experience:
- Schedule at least 3 weeks in advance of your visit
- Discuss your goals with a volunteer docent before the tour
- Plan ahead - preview the galleries for free
- Make sure you have enough adult chaperones - review the Museum manners here.
- Make nametags for everyone to wear
- Remember: Writing, sketching, discussing, and even singing are great ways to engage your students in the galleries
Tour Themes
Elemental
Explore how artists use the elements of art and principles of design to share ideas through glass, wood, metal, fiber, and clay. Students will engage in close-looking and hands-on experiences with touchable objects to better understand how form, texture, color, and balance come together in powerful and creative ways.
Every Picture Tells a Story
A picture is worth a thousand words—and sometimes even more. In this tour, students will explore how artists use visual elements like setting, character, gesture, and symbolism to tell stories through their work. Through close looking and interactive discussion, students will uncover hidden narratives and imagine what might come before or after the moment captured in an image. They'll also have the opportunity to create their own written or visual stories inspired by selected artworks, deepening their understanding of storytelling across cultures and time.
Learning to Look
How do artists make the choices that shape what we see—and how we feel—when we look at art? In this tour, students will examine the materials, techniques, and creative processes artists use to bring their ideas to life. Through guided looking exercises, group dialogue, and hands-on or reflective activities, students will practice careful observation, interpretation, and personal connection to the artwork. This tour encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and visual literacy—skills that can be applied in and beyond the museum.
The Inuit Experience Through Art
Discover Inuit culture, history, and ways of life through the voices of Inuit artists—past and present. Students will engage with a wide range of works, from traditional forms to contemporary expressions, and consider how Inuit artists represent identity, community, and connection to land. This tour highlights that Inuit art is not only rooted in tradition, but is also a thriving and evolving practice today.
Need something a little different?
Museum staff and volunteers are happy to help you design the ideal learning experience for you and your students. Please contact us to start the process. Check out our temporary exhibitions to get inspired.
Self-GUIDED TOURS
You are welcome to visit with your class for a self-guided tour. You must have 1 chaperone per 10 students. Scheduling remains the same as guided tours. Admission for self-guided tours is $4 per student (K-12). Teachers/staff and chaperones receive free admission.
Suggestions for a successful self-guided experience:
- Schedule in advance of your visit
- Plan ahead - preview the galleries and have an assignment ready
- Make sure you have enough adult chaperones - review the Museum manners here
- Pencils and paper only, please
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR SELF-GUIDED VISITS
Writing Activities
Have students write poetry, letters, or essays based on artworks in the gallery. Pencils and clipboards can be provided at the Dennos front desk.
Sketching in the Galleries
Bring drawing paper, boards and pencils and sketch works in the galleries or the museum spaces. Follow a theme or technique for a more meaningful experience.
Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Focus on the elements and principles as a way to engage students in using art vocabulary. Resources are available here.
