Mission
Bard Graduate Center’s public programs and education initiatives are catalysts for deep reflection with objects. We build dialogue and imagine new ways of seeing.
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 an interview with Teen Thinker alumni here.
Read about The Lab for Teen Thinkers here.
View the 2020 summer project Seneca Village 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.Virtual Guided Tours
Join us for a Virtual Guided K-12 Tour during the month of October!Explore the life and work of Eileen Gray, a pioneering woman of modern design and architecture. Afterward, participate in a hands-on workshop that helps young people reimagine everyday objects and the spaces they inhabit! Our student-centered Virtual Guided K-12 Tours engage young people in lively discussion and activities that promote critical thinking and visual literacy skills.
Virtual Guided Tour Availability
Tuesdays through Fridays from 11am - 5pm.
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Tour Fees
NYCDOE school groups: Free
For all other groups, the 2020 rates are: $85 | for groups of up to 35 participants
School Tour Booking
212.501.3013
tours@bgc.bard.edu
Educator Guides
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.
Stay tuned for information about our Spring 2021 course offerings.
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.eduTours 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
Virtual Guided Tours
During the month of October, we invite you to explore the life and work of Eileen Gray, a pioneering woman of modern design and architecture. Virtual Guided Tours will highlight many different aspects of Gray’s career, from her celebrated projects to many lesser-known and recently rediscovered pieces on display for the first time.
Virtual Guided Tour Availability
Tuesdays through Fridays from 11am - 5pm.
Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Tour Fees
Senior groups: Free
$85 | for groups of up to 35 participants
We are currently accepting bookings and encourage you to schedule your virtual visit before all spaces are filled.
Book now by email at: tours@bgc.bard.edu
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.eduFree 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.Stay tuned for more information about virtual offerings.
Virtual Guided Tours
During the month of October, we invite you to explore the life and work of Eileen Gray, a pioneering woman of modern design and architecture. Virtual Guided Tours will highlight many different aspects of Gray’s career, from her celebrated projects to many lesser-known and recently rediscovered pieces on display for the first time.Virtual Guided Tour Availability
Tuesdays through Fridays from 11am - 5pm.
Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Senior groups: Free
CUNY groups: Free
$85 | for groups of up to 35 participants
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
