Art Investigators

Kindergarten–Grade 3

As "art investigators," students will look for clues, explore artists' choices, and use their imaginations to learn about modern and contemporary art. This tour will introduce students to the museum and the basic elements of art. (Please note that this tour replaces Color, Line, and Shape.)

LOOKING AND LEARNING SKILLS

During four or five tour stops, students engage in activities—looking exercises, simple art—making activities, and small group work—that foster conversations around works of art. The following skills are promoted:

  • Observing, describing, and sharing ideas about the works of art
  • Developing ideas about art by drawing on observations, prior knowledge, and imagination
  • Becoming familiar with the museum setting

 

EXAMPLE WORKS FEATURED ON TOUR

  • Example works featured on the Art Investigators school tour http://media.nga.gov/public/objects/6/1/2/4/9/61249-primary-0-740x560.jpg

    André Derain, Charing Cross Bridge, London, 1906

    Learn more about this artwork

  • Example works featured on the Art Investigators school tour http://media.nga.gov/public/objects/5/5/8/1/9/55819-primary-0-740x560.jpg

    Jackson Pollock, Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist), 1950

    Learn more about this artwork

  • Example works featured on the Art Investigators school tour http://media.nga.gov/public/objects/7/2/0/4/0/72040-primary-0-740x560.jpg

    Wayne Thiebaud, Cakes, 1963

    Learn more about this artwork

  • Example works featured on the Art Investigators school tour http://media.nga.gov/public/objects/1/0/6/3/8/4/106384-primary-0-740x560.jpg

    Henri Matisse, Open Window, Collioure, 1905

    Learn more about this artwork

LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

Group Size: Up to 60 students
Length: 60 minutes
Meeting Location: East Building, Entrance (inside)

ADDITIONAL GALLERY RESOURCES

 

Schedule a Tour

Note: We are no longer accepting tour requests for spring 2013. We will begin accepting fall 2013 requests on August 1.

Pre-Visit Information

Watch a video or download a presentation to show your students prior to your visit. View our museum policies, location, parking, accessiblity, security, lunch options, and other important information about visiting.

Questions

Our tour scheduler is available to answer questions on Monday through Wednesday between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. (September through May). Please contact her at (202) 842-6249 schooltourrequests@nga.gov.

Also see our Frequently Asked Questions about School Tours.

Feedback

We greatly value your feedback about your school tour experience. Please submit this form to share your feedback.