Learn
at the Gibbes!

K-12 Guided tours

 

General Tour
The foundation of the K-12 program, this one-hour tour provides an introduction to the Gibbes’ collections and temporary exhibitions. Highlighting key themes found in the work on view, the tour can be customized to focus on specific exhibitions, or a range of work that relate to in-school lessons.
Curriculum connections: Arts, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Science. 

Faces
This interactive tour takes students throughout the Gibbes to explore the characteristics and language of portraiture.  The portrait is not only an important element in the arts, but it plays a key role in history as well as cultural and individual identity. Gallery discussions and hands-on activities will help students recognize the importance of the portrait, while dissecting the visual language that exists within these works of art.
Curriculum connections:  Art, Social Studies, Mathematics and Language Arts.

In Response
For the past 10 years the Gibbes has been collecting examples of art and poetry created in response to objects in the collection. Students will continue this tradition on this tour that transforms the Gibbes’ galleries into a creative writing lab. After studying examples of literary work inspired by images in our collection, students will select a work of art as inspiration for their personal prose, short story, or play.
Curriculum connections:  Art, Social Studies, Language Arts

Courage by the Sea
Revolutionary Tales of the Gibbes Family: After a tour highlighting the Gibbes' collection of landscapes and portraits, students become actors in a drama that traces the history of Charleston from the Revolutionary War to the dawning of the Civil War. The tour is perfect for students studying South Carolina history. Requires 2 hours. Curriculum Connections: Art, Social Studies and Language Arts.

ABC Tour (for 3 - 5 year olds)
Designed to introduce pre-schoolers to the art world, this tour touches on portraits, landscapes, and pictures that tell a story. Requires 45 minutes and one chaperone per 5 children.

Behind the Scenes
Students will be led by the Gibbes' very own Collections Manager and Preparator for a behind the scenes tour of an art museum. Students will learn answers to questions such as who works at a museum, why the lights are so dim, why it is so cold in the museum, and how art is stored.... Requires 1 hour. Curriculum Connections: Art, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and Language Arts

Tour Costs

  • Guided Tours: $5.00 per person with a minimum charge of $50 per group.
  • Guided Tours and Activities: $7.50 per person with a minimum charge of $75 per group.
  • Courage by the Sea tours: $9.00 per person with a minimum charge of $90 per group.
  • All guided tours can be modified to include a hands-on workshop in the Gibbes Art Studio.

Self-Guided Tours
The Gibbes Museum of Art welcomes teachers who would like to self-guide their group through the museum galleries.  Reservations are required for self-guided groups. A ratio of one adult per ten children is required. Self-guided tours have no time or size limit, but must take place during the museum's public hours.  

Self guided groups are invited to sketch in the Gibbes’ permanent collection galleries using approved drawing materials. Please request a sketching permit for your group when booking your tour.

  • Self Guided tours: $4.00 per student with a minimum charge of $40 per group.

Free Passes for Students and Teachers 
The Gibbes Experience doesn’t end with a tour! Elementary and middle school students receive a family pass allowing free admission to the Gibbes for up to five people. High school students receive a Student Pass, which allows free admission for one.  Complimentary admission is intended to allow students to complete extended assignments.  Educators planning a visit to the Gibbes may also visit the museum’s galleries at no charge. Educator’s Passes are included in tour confirmation materials so teachers can preview exhibitions in preparation for their visit. Each pass can be used once, and must be turned in at the time of redemption.

Get ready to go to the Gibbes! You can also prepare for your visit from the classroom!

Ready to schedule your visit?