Education Division
Education Division Goals
The Education Division seeks to enrich knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of its collections and the variety of cultures and ideas they represent.
|
Learning opportunities are offered to enhance self-directed and informal learning experiences for all museum visitors, to develop pioneering and innovative programming developed specifically for community needs, and to provide a variety of formal educational programs for the public such as tours, lectures, symposia, performances, demonstrations, school outreach programs, art classes, workshops, and special projects.
The Museum engages in active, ongoing collaborative efforts with a wide range of organizations and individuals who can contribute to the expansion of the museum's public dimension.
The Museum School
The Museum seeks to enhance children's artistic and cultural development
through year- round classes and workshops in art and history. Classes
for all ages from preschool to seniors are offered at nominal fees
so that they are available to all. The summer program offers a wide
selection of classes. During the school year, art classes are held
on Saturdays. Preschoolers' classes are scheduled throughout the
year. Please call for updated information on offerings. Fall Schedule 
School and Teacher Programs
Our school and teacher programs use the resources of the museum to support student learning. Through tours, workshops, educational materials and special programs we engage students and teachers in learning through real objects. We design our programs around building key skills of thinking critically and creativity and communicating effectively. In addition, our range of exhibitions assists students with understanding their world and exposes them to the rich diversity existing in their community.
Consider us your partner in the education our community’s youth. Review the following program options to decide what will work best for your students. Do not hesitate to contact us with suggestions or questions.
School Tours
We offer tours of our traveling and permanent collection exhibitions, our sculpture garden, and Casa San Ysidro, a historic home in Corrales. Museum tours are led by education volunteers (docents) who devote many hours of study and preparation toward making your visit an enjoyable learning experience. It is important that the tour meets your educational objectives. A docent will contact you before the tour to discuss the details so that it can be adapted to the needs of your group.
The Albuquerque Museum Foundation covers admission costs for docent-guided school groups at The Albuquerque Museum. Separate admission costs apply at Casa San Ysidro. Tours must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance and times are subject to availability. There may be admission fees for additional chaperones.
Pick a Tour
Permanent Exhibitions
Four Centuries of Albuquerque History depicts the history of Albuquerque and the surrounding region and includes sections on early maps, arms and armor, Spanish weaving, colonial life, vaqueros and early trade routes. Select areas include touchable objects which allow students to learn history through their hands. Download the file for a list of district standards supported through this tour for grades 2-5.
Common Ground: Art in New Mexico introduces students to the arts of New Mexico which includes a range of works by artists in a wide range of media, styles, and subjects. This exhibition provides students with a great opportunity to explore New Mexico through the eyes of artists and discover the many ways artists communicate their ideas. Download the file for a list of district standards supported through this tour for grades 2-5.
Sculpture Garden
Now encompassing over 60 pieces, this primarily outdoor tour explores various themes, media, and techniques by prominent regional sculptors including Luis Jimenez, Alan Houser and Nora Naranjo- Morse among others.
Focus Tours
Focus tours are special 50 minute tours which take place within the Four Centuries of Albuquerque History exhibition on the topics of WEAVING IN NEW MEXICO or CASA. These programs are ideal for elementary aged students. Limited to 25 students per hour, these in-depth tours include hands-on activities
The CASA tour centers on a discussion of the domestic life in colonial New Mexico. See early cooking utensils and grind corn with a mano and metate.
The WEAVING tour includes a discussion of sheep and the early New Mexico “cottage” industry of weaving.
Changing Exhibitions
For more details about current & upcoming exhibitions, click on this link.
Pick a Time
School tours are offered Tuesday through Friday and begin promptly on the hour starting at 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, or 3 p.m. Early booking is recommended due to the demand.
For teachers awarded a Magic Bus: These tours are given only on Tuesdays or Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12-2 p.m.
Tours are approximately 50 minutes long and are limited to a maximum of 60 students per hour. There must be a ratio of 1 adult (teacher or chaperone) per 8-12 students, depending on age. Once at the museum, classes will be divided into groups of approximately 10 students to provide a better learning experience. Please provide ample adult supervision.
Scheduling Your Tour
Once you have a tour and time in mind, contact Theresa Sedillo at 243-7255 or at tasedillo@cabq.gov. Be prepared to provide the name of your school, the grade level, number of students and a contact number and name as well as your preferred tour and time.
Getting Ready for the Tour
Nametags
Please have students wear name tags so docents can call each child by name.
Arrival and Check- in
When you arrive at the museum, take a few minutes to assemble the students outside. Upon entering the museum you will be greeted by the docents. Please check in at the Admissions Desk prior to your tour. Be ready to provide your tour time, the name of your group and the number of students and adults participating in the tour.
Personal Items
Backpacks and water bottles will not be allowed in the galleries. Space will be provided for storing student’s personal belongings. Use of writing utensils in the galleries must be approved in advance.
Parking
There is a parking lane for buses on 19th Street in front of the museum and free parking in the southeast lot for museum visitors.
Eating Facilities
Tigeux Park, just east of the museum, offers ample space for picnicking. No indoor lunch facilities are available
Cancellation
If you need to cancel or have a bus problem, please call the museum at 243-7255 as soon as possible.
Museum Manners
Simple manners to ensure a great museum visit!
1) Please Don’t Touch
Art works are originals one of a kind. History artifacts are authentic and rare. Finger prints leave oil deposits which are destructive. You can show you students these oily fingerprints by having them touch a mirror and observe the effects. (Even museum curators don’t touch. When they have to move an object, they wear white gloves!)
2) Please Walk Slowly and Talk Quietly
Consider safety and respect the other visitors in the museum.
3) Students Must Stay with their Groups.
Teacher and adult chaperones must stay with their groups and are responsible for maintaining discipline.
Casa San Ysidro
Students travel back in time as they tour this historic property. The reconstructed 19th century New Mexico home contains Spanish Colonial furniture, hand woven floor coverings, a loom made just after the American Revolutionary War, and fine examples of early New Mexico tinwork, santos and much more. Download the file for a list of district standards supported through this tour for grades 4-8.
By reservation only, school tours are offered Wednesday through Friday at 10:45 a.m. and 12 noon. Each one hour tour can accommodate a maximum of 45 students. These tour arrangements are made directly with the Casa San Ysidro staff and do require admission fees.
Casa San Ysidro is located in the Village of Corrales, north of Albuquerque, at 973 Old Church Road. Tour fees for Casa: $1 per student (no charge for adult sponsors). Call (505) 898-3915 for reservations and information. The facility is closed during December and January.
Your Comments Please!
Enjoy your visit and fill out the tour evaluation sheet you received at check-in before you leave the museum. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
For Teachers
We offer special events, workshops, and educational materials to support teachers in acquiring the desired knowledge and skills for their personal and professional growth. Review our current opportunities to determine what best suits your needs and interests. We appreciate your feedback give us your suggestions to improve or expand our teacher programs by contacting Elizabeth Becker at ebecker@cabq.gov or 243-7255,
Teacher Open House
A special night just for teachers held at The Albuquerque Museum, Explora and The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Join the over 400 teachers who attend this free event which includes previews of current exhibitions, free materials from local non-profits, a raffle, refreshments and special activities at each location.
Save the date: Wednesday, September 30 from 5:30-8:00 pm
At all museums enjoy:
- Discounts at museum stores
- Exhibits open
- Free materials from over 50 local non-profits
- Chance to win a door prize. To be eligible for a prize, fill out the passport, have it stamped at each museum, and turn the completed form.
At The Albuquerque Museum:
- Music by Wagogo at 6 pm & 7 pm
- Free posters and materials
- Refreshments
At Explora:
- Free Educators guides
- Interactive exhibits
At The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science:
- Mummies: Secrets of the
Pharaohs free for teachers at 5pm - Free Planetarium programs at 6:15
and 7:15 p.m.
Albuquerque Now for Teachers Thursday, October 22 from 4:00-6:00 pm
A special educator’s workshop inspired by the exhibition Albuquerque Now: Fall. This is the first of a two part exhibition presenting works from traditional to cutting edge, but artists working in Albuquerque today. Explore new ways to think about and create art with your students. Refreshments will be provided. You must pre-register for this workshop. Following the workshop, join us for a public screening from the new season of the PBS series Art 21.
Teacher Materials for Isletan Images
Free materials coming soon to prepare you and your students for this exhibition.
Internships
The Education Division offers learning opportunities for students interested in museum education careers. Interested students may contact the Education Division at (505) 243-7255.