Guided Tour Volunteer Program
Volunteers at The Met guide tours and lead gallery chats of the collection and exhibitions to make works of art accessible for students (grades K–12) and adults. We are committed to inclusivity, access, and equity, and believe that The Met Volunteer Organization should represent the diversity of New York City.
In addition to giving tours and leading gallery chats, guides enjoy an extensive program of continuing education provided by Museum curators, conservators, arts educators, and other experts.
What We're Looking For
Prospective guides should have an interest in learning about art and art history, working with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and facilitating positive museum experiences. An art background is not required; training and support are provided.
Museum Department Programs and Assignments
School Tours
Time commitment following training: Weekdays only. One weekly tour during the school year and two camp or community group tours over the summer.
First Views (K–3)
Lead thematic tours that develop observational skills, discover connections between different cultures, and foster an appreciation of the arts. Includes sketching in the galleries.
Grades 4–12
Create a dialogue with students to make learning about art an engaging experience.
Special Education
Facilitate engagement with art for students of all ages with special needs and learning challenges, including those with cognitive, sensory, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum.
The Met Cloisters
Explore the art and culture of the Middle Ages for students in grades K–12.
Adult Tours
Time commitment following training: One tour every two to three weeks and four tours annually on an abbreviated, opt-in schedule for holidays and vacation periods.
Highlights Tours and Gallery Chats
Introduce new visitors to the Museum and engage returning visitors with tours providing an overview of The Met collection and informal chats in museum galleries.
International Tours
Lead Highlights Tours or Collection Tours in one of ten languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.
Collection Tours
Lead a focused look into a specific area or type of art in The Met collection. Guides may apply to join a specific collection group after first serving as a Highlights, International Highlights, or School Programs guide.
Weekend Tours
Lead Highlights and Collection Tours or International Tours on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Training
Learn from experts across the Museum in a weekly, six-month, classroom and gallery-based program. A mix of virtual and onsite sessions introduce The Met collection, provide teaching techniques for engaging audiences, and prepare you to develop and lead introductory tours for adults or school groups and gallery chats for adults.