Plan Your Program at the Johnson Museum
School Visits and Programs
We welcome pre-K-12 classes to the Museum for gallery and studio instruction. Consistent with current CDC guidance, we encourage participants to “Stay Home When Sick.” Consistent with Cornell policy, masks are encouraged for students, teachers, and any chaperones for gallery and studio instruction sessions. (Updated September 14, 2022)
We offer both in-person and virtual programs, which focus on deep looking, critical analysis, student interaction, and guided hands-on activities. We can adapt our programs to meet your teaching needs, across many grade levels, subjects, and disciplines.
Johnson educators have a combined 60 years of experience teaching in pre-K–12 classrooms and forging connections between museum objects and pre-K–12 curricula. We offer units linking art to a breadth of subjects and disciplines, including social studies, STEAM, language arts, and more.
Our programs offer fresh contexts for students to experiment with ideas, and encourage them to draw on skills they have learned in and outside of the classroom. Driven by the questions and observations students share, our sessions foster curiosity and confidence.
Themes and Topics for Teachers (PDFs)
“Thank you so very much for bringing art to us! The exposure and conversations you provide the space for are truly amazing! I learn so much each time you come to visit.”
—Third-grade teacher
For Your Visit
To arrange for your program, to discuss whether any fees will apply, and to inquire about bus fee coverage, please begin by emailing Carol Hockett. Please include the theme you would like to request, along with three possible dates and times for your program.
Museum class tours last approximately one hour and are organized for groups of 10 to 25 students. Studio activities can be designed by request and allow us to incorporate creative, hands-on activities into Museum programs. Studio sessions can expand the visit to two hours.
The Johnson Museum offers programs to schools Tuesdays to Fridays between 10:00AM and 5:00PM. The calendar fills quickly. Space on the schedule is limited and tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is suggested that you book at least one month in advance. If your scheduled tour/workshop is delayed or must be cancelled, please call the Museum at 607 255-6464. We appreciate at least 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Please have this information ready when you call or if you have to leave a message:
- Name of contact person
- Daytime phone (or home phone if it is difficult to reach you at school)
- Type of program requested and possible dates/times for your program
- School name, mailing address, and phone number
- Group age, grade, and any special needs your class may have
Self-Guided Tours
Teachers are welcome to bring classes to the Museum on their own, with adequate chaperones. There is no charge for self-guided class visits but advance notice is appreciated to reserve a place in the schedule.