Prepare for Your Field Trip

Key information for your visit.

Show students what to expect

Getting here

Drop-off

For West Building field trips:
Students can be dropped off at our Mall Entrance on Madison Drive NW and proceed up the stairs to the Rotunda. The West Building wheelchair access is located on Constitution Avenue at 6th Street NW. 

For East Building field trips:

Students can be dropped off at the 4th Street and Constitution Avenue entrance and proceed into the Atrium area. The East Building entrance is accessible by wheelchair.

While you're here

  • Guidelines and policies
  • Accessibility
  • Bringing lunch

    School groups may store sealed lunches in the checkroom. You are encouraged to enjoy bagged lunches outside our buildings or in the Sculpture Garden. During inclement weather, you may eat bagged lunches in the Cascade or Pavilion Cafés.

  • Buying lunch

    We offer customizable group dining options at four of our cafés. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance of your visit. All seating is first-come, first-served.

Contact us

Need to cancel or change a field trip?

Field trip slots are limited. To cancel or change a field trip, please call 202-842-6249 as soon as possible. Slots are limited, so if you need to cancel your field trip please let us know so we can make the slot available to other groups.

Questions?

Please contact our scheduler with questions on Monday through Friday at 202-842-6249 or  [email protected].

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School Field Trips

Spark your students’ curiosity with free in-person or virtual field trips. Through close looking and conversation, students will be encouraged to share ideas and connect to works of art.

Self-Guided Field Trips

Teachers are welcome to guide students through the museum independently. Submit a form to let us know you're coming and to receive support for planning your field trip.