All student tours are designed to foster critical and creative thinking and promote discovery and wonder.
Join us for a guided visit led by trained PEM educators and volunteers. All current tours align with the Common Core and Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Self-guided visits are available to groups in grade six and up.
We recommend that teachers visit the museum before a class trip. We may be able to tailor your visit to meet your learning goals and your students' needs. Be sure to bring a valid ID — New England educators are always granted free admission to PEM! Please don't hesitate to get in touch by contacting schoolservices@pem.org or 978-542-1514.
Tour options
Asian Art and Global Culture
Tours available for Grades K-12.
English Language Arts
Tours available for Grades K-12
Visual Art
Tours available for Pre-K-University
American Art & Culture
Tours available for Grades 3-12
Planning your visit
RESERVATIONS
All groups — including self-guided groups — are required to make reservations at least three weeks in advance. Group visits can be booked Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Self-guided visits are available for students in grade six and up. To make your self-guided visit more enjoyable for your students, we require a copy of your visit plan two weeks in advance for review. PEM staff can provide you with suggestions for in-gallery activities and rotations through the museum. This is particularly important for groups larger than 20 students to facilitate efficient movement through the museum.
For guided visits, please send a copy of your visit plan three weeks in advance for review.
GROUP FEES
K–12 Groups
- 1 Guided or Self-Guided* Tour: $7/student
- 2 Guided Tours: $10/student
- 1 Guided Tour + Art Activity: $10/student. Subject to availability.
- Chaperone: 1 complimentary admission per 10 students
*Self-guided visits are only available to groups of students in grade six and up.
University Groups
- 1 Guided Tour: $7/student
- 2 Guided Tours: $10/student
- Chaperone: 1 complimentary admission per group
Please note that MTA membership cards, passes and other discounts do not apply to these prices. One adult chaperone is admitted free of charge for every 10 students. Additional adults will be charged the student rate.
Preparing for your visit
Get ready for your visit to PEM!
Group Arrival
Please plan to arrive at the museum at least 15 minutes prior to the designated start time of your program. If your group is running late, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 978-745-9500, ext 3040. Bus drop-off is at the corner of Essex and New Liberty Streets.
What should we expect during our visit?
To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable visit, please review the following expectations with all adults and students who will attend.
- Stick together. Please stay with adult chaperones at all times; this includes students on self-guided visits.
- Travel light! Students are invited to safely store coats, backpacks and lunches in their designated group area. All bags are subject to inspection upon arrival. Medical bags are permitted once checked and approved by security.
- Lunch comes later. Please respect the art and refrain from eating or drinking in the galleries. Capped bottles of water are welcome.
- Discussion and movement. There is a lot to talk about, but please encourage inside voices and remind your group to walk, not run.
- Screen break. Everyone should turn off cell phones or set to silent when in the galleries. In order to preserve the artwork, flash photography is not permitted in any gallery.
- Close looking encouraged, but not too close. Remind students to stay 18 inches away from artwork, even when pointing. Signs will let you know which artwork can be touched.
- Get those creative juices flowing! Please make sure students with writing/drawing assignments have proper writing surfaces such as clipboards. Only pencils are allowed in the galleries.
- Museum Shop. Groups that visit the Museum Shop should be limited to 10 students at a time and accompanied by a chaperone.
What’s PEM’s chaperone policy?
Chaperones are expected to stay with their group, support student learning and be attentive participants during student visits. PEM requires one adult chaperone for every 10 students.
Is the museum accessible for my students?
Many museum galleries are accessible to wheelchairs. Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home is partially accessible. Please call ahead with any concerns regarding accessibility for your students: 978-745-9500, ext. 3014.