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National Museum of African Art - Smithsonian Institution

African Art On the Go!

Monday–Friday, 8:30–4 p.m. by appointment
45 min.–1 hour
Elementary¬–high school
Minimum 15–maximum 30 participants
Please submit your request at least 3 weeks in advance using the online below. (If you are unable to submit the form online, print and fax the form to 202.357.4879 ATTN: Shannen Hill.)

Museum representatives travel to classrooms within a 20-mile radius to introduce students to a variety of African arts. A hands-on experience featuring the museum’s teaching collection, this is an opportunity to learn about the arts of Africa through distinct cultural traditions. See available themes below to select the program that will fit best with your curriculum. If requested, representatives can bring touchable objects from the museum’s teaching collection to your school classroom. Additional hands-on activities may vary. Some program may require an overhead projector and screen. All outreach activities are FREE of charge. All outreach programs are FREE of charge.

Please note:

  • Pre-registration is required for all African Art on the Go! programs. You are not registered until you receive a confirmation of your request from the museum.
  • Submitting a form does not guarantee a reservation. Programs are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. (Please note that our programs are especially popular during February, Black History Month.)
  • Any cancellations must be made by email to EdwardsMI@si.edu no less than one week prior to your scheduled program.
Available Themes
Daily Life and Personal Adornment
Discover how African art is woven into every aspect of social life and its central role in binding together members of the community.
Kingdoms of Ancient Africa
Hear about the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms in Africa. By exploring the arts of kingdoms like Benin, Ghana, Mali, and others you will develop an appreciation regarding the heritage left behind.
Threads, Textiles, and Technology
Explore how artists from throughout the continent create patterns on textiles using various techniques.
Unmasked: What Do Masks Really Reveal?
Learn about the cultural significance of masks and discover the role they play in rituals, ceremonies, rites of passage, and entertainment in societies throughout Africa.

    School or Organization (required):

    Contact Name (required)

    Your Email (required):

    Phone Number (required):

    Address (required):

    Number in Group:

    Grade Level/Group (You may choose more than one. Hold option key as you select):

    Choose an option:

    List your first, second, and third choice for a tour day and time below. Free guided tours are available for student and adult groups every day except Federal holidays.

    Please enter the date in this format (YYYY-MM-DD or 2013-04-08). Failing to do so will generate an error.

    First choice date:
    Second choice date:
    Third choice date:

    Dates that are not possible:

    Do you need an interpreter for a deaf or hard-of-hearing audience? YesNo

    Does your group have any accessibility concerns?

    Additional information:

    How does the outreach you requested relate to classroom curriculum or any current assignments?

    Please help us get to know your class/group!
    (Suggestions: In 1–2 sentences, introduce your group to us, including any special needs, abilities, or interests, what makes your school or class unique, and/or why you're going on this field trip.)

    Cancellations

    If you need to cancel your program, please notify the museum as soon as possible. Cancellations must be made by email no less than one week prior to your scheduled program.

    After submitting, confirmation of your outreach program reservation will be emailed to you along with related educational materials. This email will serve as your official registration. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your program is not yet registered. Please contact us with any issues.

    REMEMBER: Please enter the date in this format (YYYY-MM-DD or 2013-04-08). Failing to do so will generate an error.

    Please enter the letters and/or numbers in the box below: captcha