Engage students in a rich exploration of artistic expression, history, and visual literacy with a field trip to the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Designed for students in grades K-12, guided tours encourage curiosity and critical thinking through inquiry-based discussions led by Gallery Teachers. Themes range from animals in art (Creatures, K–Grade 1) to identity exploration (Middle School) and community reflection (High School), allowing students of all ages to connect with artworks in meaningful ways. Tours are free and available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with advance registration required. Check to see what special exhibitions may be available during your visit, such as, “All Aboard: The Railroad in American Art, 1840–1955,” which offered a unique look at how trains transformed American society through artistic representation.
For groups preferring a self-guided visit, educators can lead small groups through the museum, using provided learning resources to spark discussions and deeper observations. Additionally, schools can enhance their experience by adding an optional studio session to select tours, where students can create their own artworks inspired by museum themes. There are a variety of ways to design a field trip to the Joslyn Art Museum, whether through guided exploration, hands-on creativity, or independent discovery. No matter the path you choose, this field trip is sure to foster artistic appreciation, visual literacy, and personal expression.