The North Carolina Museum of Art

Tours

What better way to experience the new gallery building at the North Carolina Museum of Art than through a tour? We welcome your organization, club, business, church group, social group, or school group for a free, one-hour docent-led tour for 10 or more people.

Group tours are offered Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. General Highlights tours are available for adult groups, and Art Detective tours will be available for elementary school ages beginning in the fall of 2010. Themed tours may be available by special request. Tours in English, French, and German are offered for groups of up to 15.

Reservations for groups must be made four to six weeks in advance. Tour requests will be filled in the order received, with the aim of serving as many groups as possible. As tours are very popular, we cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate every request. Tour availability is limited during summer months.

A free guided tour called Explore the Collection is available daily at 1:30 for individuals without a reservation.

Please note: Paid tickets are required for some special exhibitions. Check with the tour coordinator for details.

Student Groups

Student groups visiting the Museum may wish to bring their own lunch. Picnic tables are available at the entrance to the Museum Park. They are first-come, first-served, and may not be reserved.

To request a reservation for a docent-guided student tour or a self-guided student tour, contact the school group tour coordinator by e-mail or phone at (919) 664-6820.

As an alternative to docent-led tours, chaperoned student groups may plan self-guided visits; reservations for self-guided school group visits should be made at least 10 days in advance.

Adult Groups

Experience the art of fine dining by enjoying lunch at Iris, the Museum restaurant, as a part of your group tour. Please contact Museum Concierge Services directly at (919) 664-6785 to discuss your dining options.

Visitors wishing to enjoy their own lunch on site are welcome to use the picnic tables at the entrance to the Museum Park. A list of local restaurants is also available upon request.

Museum Concierge Services will assist you in reserving a group tour or a group tour plus dining. For more information, contact Museum Concierge Services by e-mail or phone at (919) 664-6785.

Welcome

This is a museum where you can find your own place—either in contemplative spaces or lively, engaging tours; performing arts; and family workshops. We invite you to create your own captivating experience each and every time you visit.

Visitors Guide (pdf)

 

Cell Phone Tour

Listen to casual remarks by curators, educators, and scholars about works in the galleries and Park using your own cell phone. An audio wand, which features the indoor portion of the tour, is also available at the Information Desk, West Building, for $3 (free for members).

To listen on your own MP3 player, download the Cell Phone Tour (98 Mb).

 

Sound Track Experience

This innovative audio program uses sound to help you discover your own interpretations of works in the collection. Access this free tour by borrowing an audio player from the Information Desk, West Building.

To listen on your own MP3 player, download the Sound Track Experience (53 Mb).  

 

Art Encounters

Art Encounters—our new series of gallery guides—offer fresh ways of experiencing the Museum’s collection. The Inferno introduces you to Rodin’s characters and explains how they each got stuck in Dante’s circles of hell. Interested in exploring rituals and ceremonies from other cultures? Our Wedding Ceremony might be just the thing you’re looking for. The series also includes Take the Grand Tour, NCMA Owner’s Manual, and two games that will engage children in the galleries and at home.

Choose your own pathways through the Museum. Ask for one of these new resources at West Building Information Desk, and get lost in art.