Learn & Teach
Connect with diverse collections and exhibitions through tours, programs, and resources for learners of all ages. From lively gallery programs to educator resources and virtual tours, there are a variety of ways to experience all that’s offered at the Palmer Museum of Art.
University Students
Find information about internships, student volunteer opportunities, and fun, creative programs designed for Penn State students.Info for university students
Faculty
Learn about class visits, object study sessions, curriculum connections with the museum, collaborative opportunities for exhibition development, and more!Info for faculty
K–12 School & Educators
Explore field trip programs, online educator resources, and opportunities for professional development at the museum.Info for K–12 schools and educators
Community
Discover workshops, art classes, wellness programs volunteer opportunities, and creative opportunities for all ages!Info for the community
Tours
Deepen your engagement with the Palmer’s collections and exhibitions with a guided tour or self-guided group visit. All guided tours are led by museum staff and encourage close-looking and interpretation through dialogue and personal reflections.
University Classes
Guided tours for Penn State academic classes are provided free of charge during museum operating hours. Instructors should request tours at least four weeks in advance. Click here for more information and to submit a request.
K–12 Classes
Through the generosity of the Carver Family Education Program Endowment at the Palmer Museum of Art, guided K-12 school tours can be offered free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Plan early to take advantage of this funding before it runs out for the year. Click here for more information and to submit a request.
Private Groups
Office, community, or large family groups may schedule a private guided tour during museum operating hours. Requests should be submitted at least four weeks in advance. Tour fees: $100 for up to 19 people; $200 for 20-29 people; $300 for 30-39 people; $400 for 40-49 people; $500 for 50-59 people. Click here for more information and to submit a request.
Self-Guided Group Visits
Planning a group visit for more than 8 people but don’t need a guide? Please let us know about your visit at least one week in advance by submitting a Group Visit Request. This helps avoid overcrowding in the galleries or space conflicts with programs and other groups.
Educational Programs
The Palmer Museum offers a variety of educational and experience-based programs for a variety of ages and interests, from active and fun to quiet and contemplative. The following programs are offered on a regular basis. Follow the links below or check the Programs page to find the schedule of upcoming opportunities.
Adult Workshops
Coming soon! Sign up for one-day or multi-session art workshops to learn new skills, advance your artistic practice, or have a fun night with friends. Check the Community page for listings and registration information.Community page
Always On Programs
Enjoy educational opportunities any time you visit the museum. “Plant” a colorful creation in the Exploration Gallery’s virtual art garden, deep dive into the collection through video content on gallery tablets, take advantage of a self-guided tour brochure, or become an art detective with family activity guides. Ask about current offerings at the Visitor Services Desk.
Art After Hours
Take advantage of the Palmer’s evening hours with these themed programs that take place on scheduled dates throughout the year. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities and games, tours, performances, and light refreshments. Art After Hours are designed for Penn State students in collaboration with Palmer Student Ambassadors, but everyone is welcome. Find upcoming dates on the Programs page.Programs page
Creative Studio Sessions
Get creative, connect with others, move your hands, and take time to relax and rejuvenate through process-oriented art-making. Hosted by museum educators, interns, or guest artists, these sessions will focus on the practice of creativity, exploring artistic mediums, and making personal connections with others. Find upcoming dates on the Programs page.Programs page
Drop-in Tours
There are plenty of opportunities to drop in and discover the Palmer’s world-class collections and exhibitions with a friendly and knowledgeable museum guide. Each tour explores a theme, lasts about one hour, and includes close-looking through discussion and experiential learning opportunities. Drop-in tours are offered free of charge and start in the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Lobby. Find upcoming dates on the Programs page.Programs page
Faculty Programs
Half-day and full-day workshops allow faculty to explore museum resources, object-based teaching strategies, and opportunities to collaborate with the museum on class assignments, gallery teaching, and even exhibition development. See more information on the Faculty page.Faculty page
Family Days
Bring the family together with guided gallery activities and art-making processes related to special exhibitions or featured artists in the collection. Family Day programs are offered free of charge and start in the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Lobby. Find upcoming dates on the Programs page.
Gallery Talks & Lectures
Take a deeper dive into the collection or a special exhibition with gallery talks or lectures by museum staff, faculty, visiting scholars/artists, or other knowledgeable speakers. Check listings on the Programs page.Programs page
K–12 Educator Programs
Workshops, open houses, and lesson-planning resources encourage K-12 educators to take part in professional development opportunities and connect the museum and visual arts to class curriculum. For more information, check the School & Educators page.School & Educators page
Outreach
Connect with the Palmer around the community at festivals and events. Enjoy family-friendly activities inspired by art in the collection. Find us at Arts Fest, State College Pride, Pumpkin Fest, and more! See upcoming dates on the Programs page.Programs page
Palmer Ambassadors
Ask questions or enjoy brief conversations about art with our volunteer Palmer Ambassadors while they are on duty in the galleries. Interested in working with us? Find more information about becoming a Palmer Ambassador on the Community page.Community page
Yoga & Mindfulness
Exercise your body and mind in a beautiful, artful environment. Each session includes yoga, mindful movement, and meditation at the museum. All bodies are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Space is limited to 20 participants per class. Borrow a yoga mat or bring your own. See upcoming dates on the Programs page.Programs page
Youth Camps
Summer Art Camp at the Palmer is devoted to artistic adventures. Campers will enjoy exploring the galleries, creating art, and participating in a variety of art-inspired activities and games. Registration for Summer 2025 will open in January. Check the Community page for more information and registration links.Community page
Online Resources
Engage with the museum's collection through virtual tours, online exhibitions, webinars, and art activity videos.
Are you looking for a way to stay connected to the Palmer Museum of Art and experience art from the comfort of your home? With just a few clicks, art-enthusiasts of all ages can explore museum collections, watch recorded talks, take virtual tours, and access video resources to get creative, plan lessons and curriculum, explore the collection, or enhance a future visit to the museum.
Click here to explore online resources
The Collection
Learn more about the Palmer Museum’s growing collection of nearly 11,000 objects and why it is considered the leading cultural resource of the region.
Impact the arts and your community! Directly engage with the Palmer Museum. Work with Us!