Tours
School Tours
Palm Springs Art Museum welcomes K–12 school groups for engaging, interactive experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning through art.
General information
School Tours introduce students of all ages to important art and artists from around the world through a dynamic, interactive, and unique learning experience. Available to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, each visit includes a one-hour guided museum tour, with the option to add a one-hour hands-on art lesson. Tours are designed to be age-appropriate, interactive, and engaging for every grade level.
Guided Museum Tour
Led by trained museum educators, students explore the museum's permanent collection and special exhibitions through engaging conversation and close looking. Open-ended discussions encourage students to observe carefully, ask questions, share ideas, and think critically while making personal connections with works of art.
Hands-On Art Lesson
Extend your visit with a hands-on studio art lesson inspired by artworks seen in the galleries. Students experiment with high-quality art materials and contemporary artmaking techniques in a creative, process-based environment that encourages exploration and self-expression.
Scheduling
- All School Tours must be requested online and are available on Mondays, Fridays, and select Thursdays beginning at 9:45 a.m. Other days are available upon request.
- Each School Tour can accommodate up to 60 students.
- A minimum of 1 chaperone is required for every 10 students.
Tour Themes
KINDERGARTEN-GRADE 2
Elements of Art and an Introduction to Looking
Line, shape, color, form, and texture are the building blocks of every work of art. This tour is designed for our youngest visitors, helping them develop basic art appreciation skills and vocabulary.
GRADES 3-5
Principles of Design and Looking Closely
Balance, emphasis, movement, contrast, and pattern are some of the Principles of Design that are used to create meaning and visual impacts in works of art. This tour is designed to help upper elementary students look at artworks in a thoughtful and detailed way.
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Art, History, and Culture Connect
Art is a reflection of and commentary on the time and culture in which it was created. This tour is designed for our older students to deeply explore works of art and discover meaning.
HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
Self-Guided
Self-guided visits are designed for our oldest students to explore works of art independently. Teachers can lead students on their own or the museum can provide materials to help students have an in-depth experience with select artworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a School Tour visit cost?
School Tours are free for all students! Admission and art lesson materials are generously sponsored by donors to the Youth Impact Initiative.
Is transportation assistance available?
Transportation assistance is available for schools in Coachella Valley, Desert Sands, and Palm Springs Unified School Districts on a first-come, first-served basis up to $500 per school tour visit.
Please contact Emily Culhan, Youth Impact Education Manager, at eculhan@psmuseum.org for information about transportation assistance.
How do I prepare my students?
Help prepare your students to have a successful visit by reviewing the museum rules:
- Students must keep their hands to themselves and cannot touch any art in the museum.
- Students must walk in the galleries and stay with their group at all times.
- Students are encouraged to talk and share, but they must use indoor voices.
Download and view our Social Story with photos and text about what to expect on your school tour.
Divide your class into equal groups of up to 10 students and assign each group to a chaperone.
Please have students wear a name tag.
How do I prepare my chaperones?
Chaperones and teachers are responsible for the conduct of the students.
- They must stay with the group at all times and assist as needed with students.
- The goal for the school tour is for students to engage with the art. Please ask chaperones and students to limit their phone use during the tour.
- Backpacks and shoulder bags must be worn in the front for the protection of the artwork.
- Assign a chaperone to a group of up to 10 students.
What happens when we arrive?
Drop-off and Parking:
The bus drops your group off at the front of the museum. Please tell the bus driver not to enter the parking lots. After students exit, the bus can then park in the designated area across from the parking garage on Museum Drive. Personal vehicles can park in the museum’s parking lot or in the parking garage.
If your group is more than 20 minutes late without notification, a guided tour is not guaranteed. Please call 760-423-5262 if your group is running late.
Arrival Logistics:
Please have your class divided into equal groups of up to 10 students and assigned to a chaperone. You will be met at the front of the museum by Education staff to help organize and escort you into the museum. Please have each student wear a name tag.
Students must leave backpacks, bags, and water bottles on the orange carts provided by the museum. Food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries.
Where can we each lunch?
The Palm Springs Downtown Park is across the street from the museum, and you may eat lunch there with your students when your School Tour has ended.
In case of inclement weather, and if it is available, students may eat in our studio classroom.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my visit?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel your tour. Based on availability, we may be able to reschedule for another day.
Can we take photographs in the museum?
Photography is allowed with no flash.
The goal for the School Tour is to engage with the art. We will give designated time for photographs. Please ask students and chaperones to limit their phone use to these designated times.
What are the exhibitions that will be on display during my scheduled visit?
Visit our Exhibitions page to see current and upcoming exhibitions.
