Programs & Events

Explore the Bradley Olmsted Garden with one of our experienced guides! Through close looking, writing, and drawing activities, students will better understand how the natural world has inspired artists, artisans, and designers throughout the region. Please note: The Museum gardens are not ADA-accessible. 

Students will investigate the history of the lower Chattahoochee Valley by examining the cultural artifacts of the region. Through close looking and interactive, hands-on experiences in the galleries, this tour will develop students' critical and creative thinking skills. 

Join us in the galleries as we draw connections between a carefully chosen children's book and works from the permanent collection. Together, students will hone their observational skill while learning to think thematically. 

Museums may seem mysterious but they are full of clues to fascinating stories. Students will learn how to navigate the Museum while exercising their observational skills. Supported by hands-on gallery activities and drama-based movement strategies, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors of all ages.

Through a series of inquiries, students will consider how artists and scientists are more alike than different. They will look closely, think critically, and leave with a new appreciation of the role creativity, experimentation, and research play in both disciplines. 

The Museum requires a 48-hour notice if you wish to cancel your tour. Groups that cancel with less than 48 hours notice will have their Museum privileges revoked for the remainder of the school year. Exceptions will be made for emergency situations.

In order to respond to high demand, we must limit each school to no more than one (1) group of up to sixty (60) students per day. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis only.

We strongly recommend one (1) chaperone for every ten (10) students. The Museum reserves the right to limit the number of adult chaperones participating in school group guided visits. If you are unable to meet the recommended number please notify the Museum.

If you wish to eat lunch on-site, you must provide the Museum with advance notice. There is limited indoor dining space that is subject to availability. There are ample outdoor spaces, but we cannot guarantee a backup location in case of inclement weather. Please note, not all outdoor locations are ADA compliant.

The Museum collects and displays artwork that celebrates the human form. Tours for grades K-5 will not feature such artwork as part of the focused tour discussion, but students may see them while moving around the galleries. If you have concerns about this, we strongly urge you to visit the museum prior to your scheduled field trip to view works on display, and then discuss specific concerns with us in advance.

The Columbus Museum’s Bus Fund was created to provide assistance for those schools that could not otherwise afford the opportunity to visit the Museum. Priority is given to (1) MCSD schools and (2) non-MCSD Title I Schools. All other requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the availability of funds. Self-guided tours are not eligible.

If your application is approved you will receive a confirmation via email.

MCSD: All transportation costs are covered by the Museum. However, teachers are still responsible for booking their own buses through MCSD’s transportation department.

Outside of MCSD: The Museum will cover up to $150 per date. (e.g. If a school outside of MCSD needs to split their field trip up over three different dates, the Museum will pay up to $450 to cover all three dates.) Teachers are responsible for booking their own buses.