Children sit in front of a tunnel surrounded by greenery.

Docent-Guided Tours

Registration is open for Docent-Guided Tours (below) and Self-Guided Visits taking place from June 1 to Aug. 31. Fall programs open in early August.

Give your students the opportunity to engage deeply with three to four objects and locations in the art galleries, gardens, and library in a Docent-Guided Tour.

Docents are trained to facilitate inclusive, engaging investigations through strategies including close looking, deep discussion, drawing, movement, and writing. Groups are divided and assigned to a docent; tour locations vary among groups. We can't accommodate requests to see specific objects or locations due to limited staff and gallery capacity. If you would like students to see a specific object or location, we encourage you to see it with your students after the Docent-Guided Tour or sign up for a Self-Guided Visit.

Grade levels: K-12
Cost: Free. Bus reimbursement is available.
Length: Each program lasts 90 minutes. You and your students are welcome to stay and explore after the guided tour.
When: Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Group size: 15-60 students and chaperones. The minimum ratio is 10 students per chaperone, and the maximum ratio is four students per chaperone.

Our registration system is self-service. If tickets are unavailable or sold out the date(s) will not be clickable. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email for your visit. Please do not book multiple dates for the same group visit.

Tour Themes:

Nature and Art

How do we make art inspired by nature? In this program, students investigate artworks inspired by nature and explore gardens using an artistic lens. They also reflect on the diverse ways in which the natural world inspires art and artists, using discussion, sketching, writing, and movement.

Identity and Community

Returns Fall 2024.

How do we represent ourselves and our communities through art? In this program, students investigate artworks and gardens that spotlight the artist’s identity, the identity of the person being portrayed, or the values of a community. They also reflect on how an artist’s choices can reflect personal identity and what identity and community mean to them using discussion, sketching, writing, and movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

After registering for a program, what is the next step?

You will receive an automatic email confirming your reservation. You must read, sign, and return the waiver included in this email. Within two weeks of registration, you will receive pre-visit preparation material from schoolprograms@huntington.org and will be asked to confirm the information provided during registration.

How do I prepare my students for their learning experience?

Review the Field Trip Guide you received in your email. Watch the pre-visit video and the “Close Looking at The H” videos.

Can self-guided visits accommodate multiple grade levels?

Yes. We can accommodate mixed-grade classrooms, such as 2nd and 3rd - grade students in one group, or a high school class composed of multiple grade levels.

When should my group arrive?

You must arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow time for parking, check-in, greetings, and instructions.

What is The Huntington’s policy about wearing masks during visits?

Following the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidance, mask-wearing is optional for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

Can my group bring lunch?

Yes. You are welcome to bring lunch and eat it in our public picnic area near the bus drop-off zone. Our staff will direct groups to the picnic area upon arrival. You must store lunches and backpacks in the bus or picnic area until the tour concludes (backpacks are not allowed in the galleries).

Please note that picnicking or bringing outside food or beverages (except water) onto the grounds is not permitted.

What is my role and the chaperones’ during the program?

You must be present and bring at least one adult chaperone for every 10 students attending the program. The adults’ role is to keep students safe and focused on the activity and discussion during the program.

Can my group stay after the end of the tour?

Yes. You are free to explore The Huntington on your own after the tour.

How does bus reimbursement work?

Bus reimbursement is available to all groups, regardless of visit type. You will receive a bus reimbursement form within two weeks of your visit if you indicated interest during registration. Reimbursement is available up to $500 per bus.

How are groups larger than 60 people accommodated?

If you want to register groups larger than 60 contact schoolprograms@huntington.org.

Do School Programs take place rain or shine

Yes. All School Programs take place rain or shine.

Still have questions? Email us at schoolprograms@huntington.org

California State Standards for School Programs:

Common Core State Standards – English Language Arts

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1
Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own ideas clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2
Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

California English Language Development Standards

ELD.PI.K-12.1
Exchanging information and ideas with others through oral collaborative discussions on a range of social and academic topics.
ELD.PI.K-12.3
Offering and supporting opinions and negotiating with others in communicative exchanges.
ELD.PI.K-12.5
Listening actively to spoken English in a range of social and academic contexts.
ELD.PII.K-12.6
Connecting ideas.

College, Career & Civic Life (C3)

D2.Civ.7.K-3 / 3-5 / 6-8 / 9-12
Apply civic virtues and democratic principles when participating in school/community settings/when working with others.