the Cost of Museum Tours

I paid 10 dollars to join a group tour of a new exhibit at the big art museum in town.

The cost included the tour, a small booklet with information on the new exhibit in black and white- no color photos, and a cup of tea and cookies afterwards in a reception hall. Admission is always free or "donations accepted" at this museum.

The service was great, I think this was a fund raiser for the museum, they don't do it all the time. They have a new exhibit of impressionism and post-impressionism paintings by American artists. The tour guide was a volunteer at the museum and was very knowledgeable about the paintings and the art movements they represent. The tour moved at a nice speed, not slow, not fast. We had time to look at everything and to discuss some of the works at length. The tea after was nice too because it gave us a chance to socialize a little and meet people.

Plan on bringing your wallet for shopping in the museum gift shop after the tour. Find out if refreshments are served or if they have a cafe in the museum. If it's a fund raiser and you can afford to, you might want to pay a little extra to support the museum. If you are a serious art student, bring a note pad and pen to jot down things you will want to look up later. Be on time for the tour start, or they might leave with out you.