Virtual programs are offered from October 2, 2023, through May 24, 2024, Mondays through Fridays between 11:00am (EST) and 4:00pm (EST). Special requests for dates and times outside of our regularly scheduled programs are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Programs
The Portrait Gallery offers a number of packaged student programs that complement curricula in history, arts, language arts, and STEAM. We can also customize a program to meet the teacher’s needs. Please contact the Student Programs Coordinator, Jocelyn Kho, at:KhoJ@si.eduto discuss custom program ideas.
Program duration
Programs can be thirty, forty-five or sixty minutes long. Special requests for program duration are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Number of students
The minimum number we will accommodate for a virtual student program is 10 students connecting remotely. The maximum number we will accommodate is 50 students connecting remotely or one classroom- in school connection per scheduled student program. If you have more than the maximum, please schedule multiple dates for your virtual visits.
If you are late The Portrait Gallery has the right to cancel or alter the scheduled program if your group is more than 10minutes late. All programs will end at the designated time.
Cancellations If you need to cancel or reschedule a student program, please e-mail the Students Programs Coordinator at:KhoJ@si.eduat least one week prior to the scheduled program. Please be aware that we may not be able to accommodate rescheduling requests because student programs fill up quickly.
Content Each student program has a predesignated list of portraits the students will see. If necessary, Gallery Educators may alter programs based on logistical constraints of a virtual program.
Grade Level We will accommodate a maximum of two grade levels for a registered program,e.g. grades 4 and 5. We cannot accommodate a request for more than two grade levels, e.g. 4th–8th or 9th–12th grades.
Chaperones Adult chaperones are required for all student programs. Minimum of one chaperone must remain online for the duration of the program. Failure to provide a chaperone for the entire session may result in the cancellation of a program.
Home-School Groups
We are pleased to be able to offer our student programs to home-school groups as well as to traditional schools. Home-school groups must fit the same criteria as traditional school groups. Please consult the previous guidelines to determine whether your home-school group meets the requirements, particularly in regard to number of students and grade level.
In-Person Programs
Dates and times
In Person programs are offered from October 2, 2023, through May 24, 2024, Mondays through Fridays at 9:30 am, 11:00 am and 12:45 pm. Special requests for dates and times outside of our regularly scheduled programs are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Museum Hours
The National Portrait Gallery is open to the public at 11:30am. If you are registering for a program at 9:30 am program, please be aware that your group will need to leave the building immediately at the conclusion of your program.
Safety Measures
We ask that all visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, follow our safety measures to protect everyone’s health. Please see our Visiting Tips and FAQs page for details.
Lunch/Snack in the Courtyard
Groups whose programs end after the museum opens at 11:30am are welcome to eat lunch or snack in the Courtyard following their program. Requests for groups to be in the Courtyard before the museum opens cannot be accommodated.
Programs
The Portrait Gallery offers a number of packaged student programs that complement curricula in history, arts, and language arts. Custom programs are considered on a case–by-case basis. Please contact the Student Programs Coordinator at: KhoJ@si.edu to discuss custom program ideas.
Program duration
Programs are seventy-five minutes long. Special requests for program duration are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Number of students
The minimum number we will accommodate for an in-person student program is 10 students. The maximum number we will accommodate is 60 students. If you would like to bring more than the maximum, please schedule multiple dates for your visit.
If you are late
The Portrait Gallery has the right to cancel or alter the scheduled program if your group is more than 20 minutes late. All programs will end at the designated time.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel or reschedule a student program, please e-mail the Students Programs Coordinator at: KhoJ@si.edu at least one week prior to the scheduled program. Please be aware that we may not be able to accommodate rescheduling requests because student programs fill up quickly.
Inclement weather
If your school is closed or on a two-hour delay, or if the federal government is closed, your program will be cancelled. The museum will attempt to reschedule weather-related cancellations if possible.
Content
Each student program has a predesignated list of portraits the students will see. If necessary, Gallery Educators may alter programs based on logistical constraints in the museum.
Grade Level
We will accommodate a maximum of two grade levels for a registered program,e.g. grades 4 and 5. We cannot accommodate a request for more than two grade levels, e.g. 4th–8th or 9th–12th grades.
Arrival at the museum
Because the Portrait Gallery’s student programs begin before the museum opens to the general public, all participants must arrive by the scheduled start time. Once the program has begun and the students have left the G Street entrance, those who arrive late will NOT be allowed into the museum until 11:30 a.m.
Chaperones
Adult chaperones are required for all student programs. Chaperones must remain with groups for the duration of the program. Failure to provide an adequate number of chaperones may result in the cancellation of a program. The ratio of adults to students is as follows:
Grades K–3: one adult per 5 students
Grades 4–6: one adult per 10 students
Grades 7–12: one adult per 15 students
Home-School Groups
We are pleased to be able to offer our student programs to home-school groups as well as to traditional schools. Home-school groups must fit the same criteria as traditional school groups. Please consult the previous guidelines to determine whether your home-school group meets the requirements, particularly in regard to number of students and grade level. (Because of space constraints in the galleries we cannot accommodate extra children—i.e., older or younger siblings—on our programs.)
