Museum Tours

An image of two people looking inside of artwork at the Renwick Gallery.
Take a Tour

There are many ways to visit SAAM and the Renwick Gallery and they’re all free!

  • Gallery tours for all ages: registered groups, walk-ins, or self-guided; 
  • Access programs for people with disabilities and their care partners; 
  • School tours aligned with standards; 
  • Virtual programs for school groups and learners of all ages. 

Gallery Tours for All Ages

Group Tours

Group tours are available by request for adult groups of eight or more. Choose from a variety of themes, including current special exhibitions. Tours are free.

 

Request 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Request a group tour: https://americanart.si.edu/visit/tours/request

Walk-in Tours

Walk-in tours are offered regularly, depending on the availability of guides, and all tours are free. Check with the Information Desk when you arrive to see what is offered. 

  • Free, docent-led walk-in tours at SAAM's main building start at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily, with an additional tour at 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Tours last approximately one hour. 
  • Free, docent-led walk-in tours at SAAM's Renwick Gallery start at noon Monday through Saturday; there are no tours on Sundays. Tours last approximately one hour. 

Audio Guides

Experience the Museum Your Way

Smartify's free personalized tours are tailored to your interests and the time you have available. Simply answer a couple of quick questions and we'll hand pick a collection of unmissable objects and captivating stories just for you.

Learn More
Get the App
Two cellphones showing various views of the Smartify app

Art a la Cart

We have pop-up art carts at SAAM and the Renwick Gallery. Our carts provide hands-on experiences for all ages. Please check with the Information Desk to see if any carts are out. 
 

Access Programs

Free tours are available online and in our galleries at SAAM or the Renwick Gallery: 

  • in American Sign Language (ASL) 
  • for people with low vision 
  • for people with dementia and their care partners 

 

There is no minimum group size for Access tours. For more information, visit https://americanart.si.edu/visit/accessibility.

 

Access program questions? Email SAAMAccess@si.edu. 

School Tours

We welcome learners of all abilities and from all settings.  

 

School tours at SAAM and the Renwick Gallery are: 

  • Free; 
  • For kindergarten through college; 
  • Aligned with national curriculum standards; 
  • Interactive and interdisciplinary. 

 

School tours last 60 minutes. Want more time in the galleries? Ask about additional activities. 

 

Request 4 to 6 weeks in advance. For more information or to place a request, visit https://americanart.si.edu/education/k-12/field-trips. 

 

School tour questions? Email SAAM education staff at AmericanArtMuseumTours@si.edu. 

Virtual Programs

Online School Tours

Online school tours are:

  • Free; 
  • For 3rd grade through 12th grade; 
  • Aligned with national curriculum standards; 
  • 40 to 60 minute long; 
  • Interactive and interdisciplinary

Request 4 to 6 weeks in advance. For more information or to place a request, visit https://americanart.si.edu/education/k-12/videoconferences. 
 

Online Adult Tours

Online adult tours are: 

  • Free; 
  • Available by request; 
  • 45 to 60 minutes long; 
  • Focus on a variety of themes, including highlights and special exhibitions; 
  • Interactive and conversational. 

Request 4 to 6 weeks in advance. For more information or to place a request, visit https://americanart.si.edu/education/k-12/videoconferences.