School Visits
Connecting students with art can inspire new ways of thinking about the world around them. Teachers and students are invited to explore the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s dynamic exhibitions and works on view from the Permanent Collection. School visits are available throughout the school year.
Teachers can choose different experience options including self-guided tours or tours led by our knowledgeable guides.
The AGNS School Visit Program is generously supported by P. Diane Swanzey and The Azrieli Foundation, therefore all fees associated with a school visit to the AGNS will be waived.
School Group Visit Options
Self-Guided Visit: Explore at Your Own Pace
- Welcome & Orientation: Begin with a 5-minute introduction with a place to store backpacks and personal items.
- Independent Exploration: Enjoy 60 minutes of self-guided discovery through our galleries.
- Flexibility: Groups may take additional time if they wish to explore the exhibitions longer or stop off for self-led hands-on art making in the Multipurpose Room.
- Cost (includes HST): $8 per P-12 Student; $10 per post-secondary Student; Free for teachers and chaperones.
Perfect for: Classes looking for a flexible, exploratory visit with light support from AGNS staff.
Guided Gallery Experience: Discover the Stories Behind the Art
- Welcome & Orientation: Begin with a 5-minute welcome with a place to store backpacks and personal items.
- Thematic Guided Tours: 60-minute guided gallery experience, tailored to age/grade level. Choose two exhibitions to focus on during booking.
- Independent Time: 30 minutes of self-directed exploration.
- Cost (includes HST): $12 per P-12 Student; $14 per post-secondary Student; Free for teachers and chaperones.
- Note: All P-9 groups will automatically receive a Studio experience if guided option is selected.
Perfect for: Classes seeking a deeper understanding of art through stories, dialogue, and guided discovery.
Guided Gallery + Studio Experience: Look, Learn, Create
- Welcome & Orientation: Begin with a 5-minute welcome with a place to store backpacks and personal items.
- Guided Gallery Experience: 60 minutes exploring key artworks with knowledgeable guides, sparking discussion and connection to curriculum themes.
- Studio Art Making Session: 30 minutes of hands-on creation in our Studio, led by AGNS facilitators. Students experiment with materials, techniques, and ideas inspired by the artworks they explored.
- Cost (includes HST): $17 per P-12 Student; Free for teachers and chaperones.
- Note: Studio experience is not available for post-secondary students.
Perfect for: Groups who want a full learning experience, connecting gallery exploration with personal expression through art making.
A visit to the AGNS provides your students with:
- Experiences that support Nova Scotia curriculum outcomes in visual arts, social studies, and language arts.
- An opportunity to learn through discussion, close looking, and hands-on creation.
- Inclusive and inspiring learning, from the folk art of Maud Lewis to contemporary Indigenous voices, every student will encounter diverse voices and perspectives in the Gallery.
- A memorable experiences they’ll talk about for weeks as visits encourage creativity, critical thinking, and points of connection.
2025-26 Exhibition Highlights
- Maud Lewis Gallery – Step into the joyful world of Canada’s most beloved folk artist, exploring her vibrant paintings and the restored Maud Lewis House.
- Ta’n a’sikatikl sipu’l | Confluence – Celebrating Indigenous creativity and dialogue across generations, where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists explore memory, sustainability, and community.
- From One to Many Natures – Diverse artists exploring nature, identity, and culture.
- Blacklight (until March 15, 2026) – Exploring the rich complexity of Black Canadian identity through figurative and abstract art.
- Other touring and temporary exhibitions.
Please note exhibition dates/details are subject to change. For current information, visit our Exhibitions page.
Additional Information
- Fees have been waived as the AGNS School Visit Program is generously supported by P. Diane Swanzey and The Azrieli Foundation.
- Group Size: Minimum 6 students; maximum 50. For guided and art-making experiences, larger groups will be divided into smaller pods of approximately 10 students.
- Teacher and chaperones required ratios are 5:1 for P–9 classes, 10:1 for 10–12 classes, and 15:1 for Post-secondary classes.
- There are no lunch spaces available onsite.
- AGNS is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and accessible washrooms. Service animals are welcome. Please note that some exhibitions may have low lighting or additional sensory stimulation. Let us know of any accessibility requirements your group may have in advance so we can make arrangements to accommodate them.
Booking Information
- Visits must be booked at least 4 weeks in advance.
- All bookings must be submitted through our inquiry form.
- Guided and studio experiences are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with two time slots: 10:00–11:30 am and 1:30–3pm.
- Cancellations require 72 hours written notice.
Plan Your Group Visit
Book your group’s visit online via our inquiry form to pick your preferred date, time, and program, and let the excitement for your gallery experience begin!