Bard Graduate Center is committed to forming the next generation of museum educators, curators, and historians, who see deeply, think critically, and build freely.

See Deeply— We believe in the power of careful observation, deduction, and research. We also acknowledge that audiences bring a wealth of personal knowledge, history, and insight to their relationship with objects.

Think Critically— We value serious, disciplined thinking that is clear, open-minded, and informed by evidence. We want audiences to feel confident about drawing meaning from objects, familiar and unfamiliar. We believe in open dialogue and big questions.

Build Freely— We provide opportunities for people to build relationships and share insights. We hope to build an intergenerational movement of curators, scholars, historians, and visitors in order to create democratic museums. We believe that by reimagining the past we can build an equitable future.

The Lab for Teen Thinkers

The Lab for Teen Thinkers is a public humanities program that prepares rising juniors and seniors for future academic and professional success through civic development, mentoring, and internship opportunities. Participants have access to Bard Graduate Center’s research institute, study collection, and library with over 55,000 volumes. The program offers a behind-the-scenes look at how New York City museums function and gives teens the unique opportunity to study objects and artifacts with a variety of scholars, curators, and PhD students working in the fields of material culture, decorative arts, and design history. Participants conduct independent research and create dynamic digital projects with the support of our Digital Media Lab. Teen Thinkers contribute their research and scholarship with the larger academic community at Bard Graduate Center, influencing how others might learn and think about material culture.

Read about The Lab for Teen Thinkers here.

View the 2019 summer project Design, Space and The Everyday.

Learn more about teen research in the Object of the Month.

School Tours

K–12 visitors see objects up close and make meaningful connections to the world around them. Our student-centered tours are led by graduate student educators who engage young people in lively discussion and hands-on activities that promote critical thinking and visual literacy skills. Tours are adaptable to your school’s curriculum and build thoughtful object-based inquiry and powerful learning experiences.

English Language Learners

We offer customized tours for English language learners that explore exhibition objects through touch and hands-on making activities. ELL students are encouraged to draw on their personal knowledge, history, and insight during the object-based tour which builds meaningful learning experiences.

School Tour Fees
NYCDOE school groups: Free
For all other groups the 2019–20 rates are:
$85 | for group of up to 15 participants
$160 | 16–30 participants
$210 | 31–45 participants

School Tour Availability
Tuesdays through Fridays: School tours begin at 11 am
Advance reservations are required
Tour Length: 45 minutes
Studio Lab Experience: 45 minutes

School Tour Booking
212.501.3013
tours@bgc.bard.edu

Educator Guides

Download here.

Ice Cream Social

Twice a year we host an afternoon of open house activities in the Gallery along with free Van Leeuwen ice cream on 86th Street. Join us for an afternoon of storytelling, hands-on art making, and gallery exploration for the whole family!

Public Learning Classes: Applying the same values of intimate instruction and close contemplation as our MA and PhD programs, Bard Graduate Center’s evening classes for the general public give participants unprecedented access to our world-renowned faculty and alumni. Most courses are five weeks long.

Study Days: Our Study Days provide opportunities for day-long immersive study into specific areas related to our exhibitions. Experts and scholars provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access to collections and their contexts.

We offer education and public programs that build inclusive and accessible gallery experiences for visitors.

Arts & Minds

Arts & Minds brings adults with memory disorders and their caregivers together for deep reflection with objects. Through gallery discussions and hands-on making activities, Arts & Minds opens a window to creativity and well-being. To learn more about this program, please email public.programs@bgc.bard.edu

Tours for English Language Learners

We offer customized tours for English Language Learners that explore exhibition objects through touch and hands-on activities. ELL students are encouraged to draw on their personal knowledge and insights, bringing objects to life through storytelling.

For Visitors With Hearing Loss

We offer a variety of conversations, talks and exhibition symposia with assistive listening devices. To learn more about this program, please email public.programs@bgc.bard.edu

Open House

Bard Graduate Center Gallery offers a number of Open House events for older adult audiences throughout the year. Visit the gallery free of charge with family, friends, and caregivers; participate in a tour of exhibition highlights led by knowledgeable graduate student gallery educators; and gather in our intimate townhouse for refreshments and meaningful conversation.

Arts and Minds

Arts & Minds brings adults with memory disorders and their caregivers together for deep reflection with objects. Through gallery discussions and hands-on making activities, Arts & Minds opens a window to creativity and well-being. To learn more about this program, please email public.programs@bgc.bard.edu

Free tours for groups of 10+

Senior Group Tours can be customized to meet the specific needs of visitors, including scheduling tours when the museum is closed and accommodating chairs so visitors can relax. To schedule a tour email: tours@bgc.bard.edu

Evening for Educators

Bard Graduate Center acknowledges educators as leaders who make important contributions in the arts and humanities and in the lives of students. Our Evening for Educators reflects our commitment to provide teachers with quality interdisciplinary workshops and tours that spark deeper appreciation of the material world and its complex cultural history.

Educator Guides

Download here.

We offer a range of private tours for colleges, seniors and general-interest groups that highlight objects, materials, and themes within our current exhibitions. Tours are tailored to suit each specific group and introduce visitors to object-based inquiry as a means of formulating broader questions about the material world.

Tour Fees

2019–20 rates are:
$85 | for group of up to 15 participants
$160 | 16–30 participants
$210 | 31–45 participants

Tour Availability

Tuesdays through Fridays: Tours begin at 11 am
Advance reservations are required.
Tour Length: 50 minutes

Tour Booking

212.501.3013
tours@bgc.bard.edu

VIP Tours

We offer exclusive access to our curators and exhibitions with behind the scenes VIP tours. For more information please contact: tours@bgc.bard.edu or call 212.501.3013

We build sustained relationships and dialogue between artists, teens, seniors, scholars, veterans, historians, curators, and community-based organizations around the city in order to create democratic museums.

Community Partnerships

Bard High School Early College

Hill Art Foundation

DreamYard Project

Wendy’s Subway

Textile Arts Center

Arts & Minds