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, Susan Covert, and The Azrieli Foundation.
School Group Visit Options
Self-Guided Visit: Explore at Your Own Pace
Perfect for: Classes looking for a flexible, exploratory visit with light support from AGNS staff.
- Independent Exploration: Enjoy 60 minutes of self-guided discovery through our galleries.
- Welcome & Orientation: Begin with a 5-minute introduction with a place to store backpacks and personal items.
- Flexibility: Groups may take additional time if they wish to explore the exhibitions longer.
- Cost (includes HST): $0 per Student*; Free for teachers and chaperones.
Guided Gallery Experience: Discover the Stories Behind the Art
Perfect for: Classes seeking a deeper understanding of art through stories, dialogue, and guided discovery.
- Thematic Guided Tours: 60-minute guided gallery experience, tailored to age/grade level.
- Welcome & Orientation: Begin with a 5-minute welcome with a place to store backpacks and personal items.
- Independent Time: 30 minutes of self-directed exploration.
- Cost (includes HST): $6 per Student; Free for teachers and chaperones.
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 experience they’ll talk about for weeks as visits encourage creativity, critical thinking, and points of connection.
Additional Information
- Admission fees have been waived as the AGNS School Visit program is generously supported by P. Diane Swanzey, Susan Covert, and The Azrieli Foundation.
- Group Size: Minimum 6 students; maximum 50. For guided and artmaking 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 booking 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 in writing to info@agns.ca
Book Your School Visit
Book your group’s visit online via our booking form to pick your preferred date, time, and program, and let the excitement for your gallery experience begin!