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School tour group agreement

See Art Make Art tour

Many students have never been to a museum before. While we want children to respect the museum and its artwork, tours emphasize interaction—we encourage students to talk about what they see and ask questions. Tours aren’t a lecture—they are a chance for your class to explore and express themselves.

How to prepare for your visit

The workshop will be most successful if you and your students agree to and understand three things:

  • Be safe
  • Engage
  • Have fun

Before your visit, please lead a class discussion to help the students determine how to be safe, engage and have fun in the museum.

What does it mean to be safe in a museum?

  • Keep three feet away from the art, walls and pedestals. Why? The artwork is old, fragile, and irreplaceable—it is our job to keep it in good shape for the community to enjoy for generations to come.
  • Leave food, gum and drinks in the designated place. Why? Food can damage art and can attract bugs that destroy art.
  • Walk carefully and avoid running or climbing. No one wants to bump and knock over the art or temporary walls.
  • Take as many photos as you want—without a flash. Light may damage some artwork.

How do we engage with art?

  • Focus on the tour activities (no phone use, small group chatter, etc.
  • Look quietly and carefully when directed.
  • Think of questions you have about art.
  • Raise your hand and ask your questions!
  • Listen to what everyone has to say—your classmates, docents and teachers. Everyone’s opinions and questions are important.
  • Think about how the art relates to you and your life. Does the art remind you of something or someone?
  • Express your feelings and opinions about the art!

What is fun at an art museum?

  • Hearing about all the different ways everyone sees, likes, and understands the same work of art.
  • Figuring out what a work of art means.
  • Expressing what you see or think.
  • Participating in the group activities in the galleries and theater.
  • Creating art through written word and music.

What is the class signal to get students attention?

Your docent will want to know what signal your class uses to get the group’s attention when they are on tour, such as clapping, hand signals, a special class word, etc. 

Soundshop workshop

Many students have never been to a museum before. While we want students to respect the museum and its artwork, Soundshop workshops emphasize interaction, and we encourage students to talk about what they see and ask questions. Workshops aren’t a lecture—they are a chance for your class to explore and express themselves.

How to prepare for your visit

The workshop will be most successful if you and your students agree to and understand three things:

  • Be safe
  • Engage
  • Have fun

Before your visit, please lead a class discussion to help the students determine how to be safe, engage and have fun in the museum.

What does it mean to be safe in a museum?

  • Keep three feet away from the art, walls and pedestals. Why? The artwork is old, fragile, and irreplaceable—it is our job to keep it in good shape for the community to enjoy for generations to come.
  • Leave food, gum and drinks in the designated place. Why? Food can damage art and can attract bugs that destroy art.
  • Walk carefully and avoid running or climbing. No one wants to bump and knock over the art or temporary walls.
  • Take as many photos as you want—without a flash. Light may damage some artwork.

How do we engage with art?

  • Focus on the workshop activities (no phone use, small group chatter, etc.)
  • Look quietly and carefully when directed.
  • Think of questions you have about art.
  • Raise your hand and ask your questions!
  • Listen to what everyone has to say—your classmates, Soundshop mentors and teachers. Everyone’s opinions and questions are important.
  • Think about how the art relates to you and your life. Does the art remind you of something or someone?
  • Express your feelings and opinions!

What is fun at an art museum?

  • Hearing about all the different ways everyone sees, likes, and understands the same work of art.
  • Figuring out what a work of art means.
  • Expressing what you see or think.
  • Participating in the group activities in the galleries and theater.
  • Creating art through written word and music.

What is the class signal to get students attention?

Your Soundshop mentors will want to know what signal your class uses to get the group’s attention when they are on tour in the galleries. (For example, clapping, hand signals, a class word, etc.)

Self-guided Visit

The maximum length allocated for your self-guided experience is 1.5 hours. Please instruct your students to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your entry time. If your students are arriving by car, parking is available behind the Honolulu Museum of Art School located at 1111 Victoria Street. It is important that your entire group enter the museum together.

During your visit:

  • Pencils and paper can be used to take notes. Pens and markers are not allowed in the galleries.
  • Please also be advised that the the Honolulu Museum of Art enforces a maximum of 15 people per gallery.
  • The museum is currently unable to accommodate outside food and beverage arrangements. Groups are welcome to enjoy food and beverages at the HoMA Café seating, or enjoy grab-and-go menu items at the open-air Coffee Bar. Reservations for the café can be made here.
  • Bags or backpacks exceeding 16 inches in diameter are not allowed in the galleries and must be checked in at the museum’s front desk. Water bottles, shopping bags, parcels, umbrellas, and tripods must also be checked in. Please note that all bags are subject to security inspection. Find additional information at our Tips for Visitors page.