Learn & Teach
Connect with diverse collections and exhibitions through tours, programs, and resources for learners of all ages. From lively gallery programs to educator resources and virtual tours, there are a variety of ways to experience all that’s offered at the Palmer Museum of Art.
University Students
Find information about internships, student volunteer opportunities, and fun, creative programs designed for Penn State students.Info for university students
Faculty
Learn about class visits, object study sessions, curriculum connections with the museum, collaborative opportunities for exhibition development, and more!Info for faculty
K–12 School & Educators
Explore field trip programs, online educator resources, and opportunities for professional development at the museum.Info for K–12 schools and educators
Community
Discover workshops, art classes, wellness programs volunteer opportunities, and creative opportunities for all ages!Info for the community
Tours
Deepen your engagement with the Palmer’s collections and exhibitions with a guided or self-guided tour.
Drop-in Tours
Regularly scheduled tours are available free-of-charge for individuals or small groups (up to eight people) to drop-in, no reservation needed. These participatory tours explore highlights of the collection and special exhibitions through a unifying theme and encourage visitors to connect with artworks and share ideas with fellow visitors. Visit our Community programs page for a list of upcoming tour dates and themes.
Self-guided Tours
Groups are welcome to explore the galleries on their own, but we ask that you reserve a date and time in advance to avoid overcrowded galleries or program conflicts.
Guided Tours
Groups of eight or more people can request a private guided tour, led by one of our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Guides. Tours feature conversation, dialogue, and experiential activities to explore a variety of works connected through a unifying theme.
Four weeks advance notice is required for scheduling guided tours and two weeks for self-guided visits.
Request a Self-guided or Museum Staff Guided Tour
Fees for Tours
Penn State Classes offered free of charge.
Adult and Community Youth Groups:
- $100 for groups of 8-19
- $200 for groups of 20-29
- $300 for groups of 30-39
- $400 for groups of 40-49
- $500 for groups of 50-59
Support for K–12 Guided Tour Fees
Through the generosity of the Carver Family Education Program Endowment at the Palmer Museum of Art, guided school tours can be offered free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Plan early to take advantage of this funding before it runs out, even if you need to visit later in the school year. Once endowment support has been distributed, the museum’s website and tour request form will indicate that funding is no longer available until the next academic year.
Browse tour themes and specialized programs for different groups on the following pages:
Online Resources
Engage with the museum's collection through virtual tours, online exhibitions, webinars, and art activity videos.
Are you looking for a way to stay connected to the Palmer Museum of Art and experience art from the comfort of your home? With just a few clicks, art-enthusiasts of all ages can explore museum collections, watch recorded talks, take virtual tours, and access video resources to get creative, plan lessons and curriculum, explore the collection, or enhance a future visit to the museum.
Click here to explore online resources
Gallery Talks & Conversations
Take a deeper dive into the permanent collection or a special exhibition by attending a lecture, gallery talk, or museum conversation led by museum staff, visiting scholars, students, faculty, guest artists, or community members.
Upcoming talks:
- Thursday, August 29, 5:30 p.m. | MADE IN PA: Pop & Politics with Joyce Robinson, Assistant Director
- Thursday, September 26, 6 p.m. | Re/Collecting the Andes with artist Kukuli Velarde and Christopher Heaney, associate professor of history
- Friday, October 4, 2 p.m. | Politics and Daily Life with The McCourtney Institute for Democracy
- Friday, October 11, 2 p.m. | MADE IN PA: Bloodline with artist Holly Wilson
- Wednesday, October 23, 1 p.m. | Politics and Daily Life with Alicia Skeath, graduate assistant and Ph.D. candidate in art history
Have questions about educational programs at the museum? Contact Brandi Breslin at bgb56@psu.edu.
The Collection
Learn more about the Palmer Museum’s growing collection of nearly 11,000 objects and why it is considered the leading cultural resource of the region.
Impact the arts and your community! Directly engage with the Palmer Museum. Work with Us!