Pre-visit activities are designed to help prepare your students for a guided or self-directed tour at VMFA. Some activities are directly related to guided-tour topics while others provide a more general introduction to visiting an art museum. Post-visit activities will help your students continue to explore what they saw on their visit. Please be sure to book your guided or self-directed visit with us to ensure docent and gallery availability.
Collection:American Art, 21st-Century Art, European Art
Culture/Region:America, Europe
Subject Area:Dance, Fine Arts
Grade Level:Preschool-5
Episode 1: We’re excited to introduce a new children’s video series called ArtShticks! Join Taye and his sister Kayla as they visit VMFA, learn about museum etiquette, and experience art with Curator Dr. Specs. This is a perfect resource for parents and teachers looking to introduce young children to the museum. Episode 2: Previously sibling…
Subject Area:History and Social Science, Visual Arts
Grade Level:5
Based on images of two works of art from VMFA’s collection, these activities will provide students with background information before their visit and, afterwards, encourage them to use critical thinking skills to draw conclusions from what they saw. The works may or may not be shown on your guided tour, but they are related to…
Subject Area:History and Social Science, Visual Arts
Grade Level:3
Cross continents to explore three ancient and powerful cultures! Learn how geographical location and environment helped shape trade, culture, and politics. Examine three works of art that will help prepare you for your guided tour of Greece, Rome and Mali. Post-visit activities will help you continue to explore these cultures in the classroom.
Subject Area:History and Social Science, Visual Arts
Grade Level:4
Based on images of two works of art from VMFA’s collection, these activities will provide students with background information before their visit and, afterwards, encourage them to use critical thinking skills to draw conclusions from what they saw. Tour Description Discover Virginia’s rich history through art! Students will discuss important people, places, and things that…
Subject Area:History and Social Science, Visual Arts
Grade Level:3
Survey evidence of power, wealth, and family, as well as symbols from several West African cultural groups. Travel ancient trade routes, discuss natural resources, and see the spectacle of royalty on this tour through our African galleries. Examine two works of art that will help prepare you for your guided tour of West African Kingdoms. Post-visit activities will help you continue to explore this theme in the classroom.
Subject Area:History and Social Science, Visual Arts
Grade Level:2
Explore the fascinating ancient worlds of Egypt and China! Examine two works of art from Ancient Egypt and China to help prepare you for your Ancient Worlds: Egypt and China guided tour. Post-visit activity suggestions will also help you continue exploring these cultures back in the classroom.
Subject Area:History and Social Science, Visual Arts
Grade Level:3
Discover the fascinating world of the ancient Greeks and Romans! Examine two works of art from ancient Greece and Rome to help prepare you for your Greece and Rome guided tour. Post-visit activity suggestions will also help you continue exploring these cultures back in the classroom.
Subject Area:History and Social Science, Visual Arts
Grade Level:1
See how artists have portrayed stories and historical events from the past to the present. Examine symbols and their meaning while viewing portraits, landscapes, sculptures, and more! Look at two works of art to help prepare you for your Picture This guided tour. Post-visit activity suggestions will also help you continue exploring tour themes back in the classroom.
Discover how artists are keen observers of nature! Examine three works of art to find unique plants, animals, birds, and insects to prepare you for your guided tour of The Great Outdoors. Post-visit activity suggestions will also help you continue exploring these cultures back in the classroom. Please note: The de Heem Still Life, is currently off view.
