School Tours
You are here
More Like This
The education department offers guided tours and special programs for students of all grade levels, pre-school through college. Museum Docents and education staff engage students in active looking and discussion as they explore the Museum’s glass collection and interactive exhibitions.
School Tour Options
School tour options include developmentally appropriate, curriculum-based activities related to art, history, and science. Tours are designed to meet select New York State Learning Standards and promote individual discovery and team problem-solving.
Planning Your School Tour
Please refer to the information below when planning your tour.
Tours may be scheduled every day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but must be booked at least three weeks in advance.
The maximum number of students for a school group is 100. We require one chaperone for every 10 students.
Youth, ages 19 and under, receive free admission to the Museum. One adult per 10 students is also free. Any additional adults pay admission to the Museum. Payment options and exact costs are discussed when making your reservation and will vary depending on the additional activities you choose.
Please let us know if you do not have the funds necessary for your school group's visit to the Museum. The Museum’s education department may be able to assist you. For more information, contact us at schooltours@cmog.org.
School visits must be requested at least three weeks in advance. Fill out the pre-registration form to begin the scheduling process. A member of the education staff will contact you after you submit the pre-registration form to discuss the details of your upcoming visit. A confirmation letter will then be sent to you. Prior to your visit you will also receive pre-visit materials and helpful information to share with students, chaperones, and bus drivers.
Self-guided tours are available for school groups. You must still fill out the pre-registration form. Chaperones are required for all school groups. Self-guided elementary and middle school groups must have one adult for every five students. Rent an iPod Touch to explore the Museum Mobile App, available to small groups for an additional fee, or download it from iTunes or the Android Market.
Learn about the "Fun with Glass" hands-on glassworking experience. This is a very popular activity, so please make your reservations well in advance.
We are eager to accommodate individuals in your class. Please help us do this by providing information in advance on your pre-registration form. All of the Museum's exhibitions, restrooms, and food service areas are accessible by wheelchair, and all public floors of the Museum can be reached by elevator. The Museum's floor plan shows elevator locations.
Sign language tours and tours for people with impaired vision may be available with pre-arrangement.
You may either bring a bag lunch or order in advance from the School Lunch Specials offered at our GlassMarket Café. Please plan ahead so we can reserve space for your group. Pre-ordered food must be requested at least two weeks in advance.
Follow these important steps for a successful visit.
Map and Directions to our bus parking lot from I-86, Exit 46. If you need further directions, try our directions page.
Please contact the education department at 607.438.5401 as soon as you know you need to cancel your visit. You will be charged if your group does not show up for a scheduled program. If calling on the day of your tour please contact the Admissions Desk at 607.438.5355.
Before You Register
We suggest you browse our website and have the following in mind before you begin the scheduling process:
- Your school calendar and transportation availability
- Several possible dates for your visit
- Times of arrival and departure (Tours are approximately 1½ hours in length.)
- Class size; number of students and chaperones
- Grade level and subject area
- Tour contact person, mailing address, phone number, and email
- School mailing address and phone number if different from contact information
- Lunch plans
- Interest in hands-on activities
- Interest in giving students an opportunity to shop in the GlassMarket
Questions?
Call the education department at 607.438.5401 or send an email to schooltours@cmog.org.