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…(coming in March 2007)
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
Cultural Connections (coming in April 2007)
What happens when cultures intersect? Students will answer this question as they look at how Charleston’s history and visual arts has been influenced by British, Caribbean, African and Asian cultures. Students will view works of art that document this cultural interaction as well as techniques and styles influenced by the material culture from other parts of the world. The tour will also include an investigation of original Japanese woodblock prints – a key holding in the Gibbes collection – and the work of American printmakers inspired by these images.
Curriculum connections: Art, Social Studies, Language Arts and Geography.
From the Artist’s Perspective (coming summer 2007)
Designed with the art class in mind, students work with a teaching artist to explore basic visual arts concepts. Students participate in various in-gallery lessons that are designed to encourage drawing and sketching skills. For the beginner, or the advanced student, this adaptable tour can meet the needs of all skill levels.
Curriculum connections: Art
- Guided Tours: $5.00 per person with a minimum charge of $50 per group.
- Guided Tours and workshops: $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: $3.00 per student with a minimum charge of $30 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!
- Just for Educators
- Gibbes interactive module (coming soon!)
- Samples of student work (coming soon!)
Ready to schedule your visit?