Docent-Guided Tours
Tour Themes
A Baldwin Park High School student enjoys the smell of a rose in the Rose Garden. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Nature and Art
How does nature inspire art? In this program, students investigate artworks inspired by nature and explore gardens through an artistic lens. Through discussion, sketching, writing, and movement, students reflect on how the natural world influences artists and their creations.
Several Baldwin Park High School students pause on a bridge in the Chinese Garden. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Identity and Community
How can artists and makers express different aspects of identity through their work? In this program, students explore creative works that highlight the identity of the artist, the identity of the subject, or the values of a community. Through engaging discussions, writing, sketching, and movement, students reflect on how an artist’s choices can reflect aspects of identity and what identity and community mean to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- After registering for a program, what is the next step?
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You will receive an automatic email confirming your reservation. You must read, sign, and return the waiver included in this email. Within two weeks of registration, you will receive pre-visit preparation material from schoolprograms@huntington.org and will be asked to confirm the information provided during registration.
- How do I prepare my students for their learning experience?
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Review the Field Trip Guide you received in your email. Watch the pre-visit video and the “Close Looking at The H” videos.
- Can self-guided visits accommodate multiple grade levels?
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Yes. We can accommodate mixed-grade classrooms, such as 2nd and 3rd - grade students in one group, or a high school class composed of multiple grade levels.
- When should my group arrive?
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You must arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow time for parking, check-in, greetings, and instructions.
- What is The Huntington’s policy about wearing masks during visits?
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Following the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidance, mask-wearing is optional for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
- Can my group bring lunch?
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Yes. You are welcome to bring lunch and eat it in our public picnic area near the bus drop-off zone. Our staff will direct groups to the picnic area upon arrival. You must store lunches and backpacks in the bus or picnic area until the tour concludes (backpacks are not allowed in the galleries).
Please note that picnicking or bringing outside food or beverages (except water) onto the grounds is not permitted.
- What is my role and the chaperones’ during the program?
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You must be present and bring at least one adult chaperone for every 10 students attending the program. The adults’ role is to keep students safe and focused on the activity and discussion during the program.
- Can my group stay after the end of the tour?
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Yes. You are free to explore The Huntington on your own after the tour.
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How does bus reimbursement work?
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Bus reimbursement is available to all groups, regardless of visit type. You will receive a bus reimbursement form within two weeks of your visit if you indicated interest during registration. Reimbursement is available up to $600 per bus.
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How are groups larger than 80 people accommodated?
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If you want to register groups larger than 60 contact schoolprograms@huntington.org.
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Do School Programs take place rain or shine
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Yes. All School Programs take place rain or shine.
Still have questions? Email us at schoolprograms@huntington.org
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California State Standards for School Programs:
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California Arts Standards for Visual Arts
- VA:Pr6 Convey Meaning Through the Presentation of Artistic Work
Objects, artifacts, and artworks collected, preserved, or presented either by artists, museums, or other venues communicate meaning and a record of social, cultural, and political experiences resulting in the cultivating of appreciation and understanding. - VA:Re7.1 Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work
Individual aesthetic and empathetic awareness developed through engagement with art can lead to understanding and appreciation of self, others, the natural world, and constructed environments. - VA:Re8 Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work
People gain insights into meanings of artworks by engaging in the process of art criticism. - VA:Cn11 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding
People develop ideas and understandings of society, culture, and history through their interactions with and analysis of art.
Common Core State Standards – English Language Arts
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1
Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own ideas clearly and persuasively. - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2
Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
California English Language Development Standards
- ELD.PI.K-12.1
Exchanging information and ideas with others through oral collaborative discussions on a range of social and academic topics. - ELD.PI.K-12.3
Offering and supporting opinions and negotiating with others in communicative exchanges. - ELD.PI.K-12.5
Listening actively to spoken English in a range of social and academic contexts. - ELD.PII.K-12.6
Connecting ideas.
College, Career & Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards
- D2.Civ.7.K-3 / 3-5 / 6-8 / 9-12
Apply civic virtues and democratic principles when participating in school/community settings/when working with others.
- VA:Pr6 Convey Meaning Through the Presentation of Artistic Work