Museum Programs

Contemporary art (or art of the NOW) reflects culture and society today. Teachers, students, and general audiences thus have a unique opportunity to consider and discuss current ideas by rethinking what is familiar to us. Using SMoCA’s rotating exhibitions as a learning resource, our tours develop skills in observation, reflection, and inquiry through dialogue, play, and collective meaning-making.  

Tours available Tuesday through Thursday only.

Installation view of Phillip K. Smith III: Three Parallels at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo by Lance Gerber.
Roelof Knol: the space in between, 2023. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Christina Fernandez, Lavanderia #1, 2002 From the series Lavanderia Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Luisotti, Los Angeles

These exhibitions will ask tour participants to consider concepts of technology and space, a relatable theme, given how our contemporary society utilizes modern technologies to find themselves within spaces in our natural and built environments. Space can be considered personal, such as spaces where one spends time or spaces that reflect one’s neighborhood and identity. Space can also be construed as a physical place where we engage and connect with others, places we influence or are influenced by, or places where we immerse ourselves.

Title I schools may book through Act One to receive free tickets and transportation. Visit Act One for more information.

Request Form

SMoCA Discovery Tour

The SMoCA Discovery Tour is an hour-long exploration of SMoCA’s rotating exhibitions in which visitors gain a greater understanding of how to look at contemporary art through inquiry and in-gallery activities.

Length: one hour
Grades: best for grades 5 and up
Capacity: 30 students
Cost: Free for schools, youth groups, and higher education students with school ID

SMoCA Discovery Tour + Workshop

Delve deeper into the topics discussed in the Discovery Tour with an additional one-hour workshop experience that explores artistic process and materials through hands-on activities.

Length: two hours
Grades: best for grades 5 and up
Capacity: 45 students
Cost: $5 per student for schools, youth groups, and higher education students with school ID

SMoCA Discovery Tour + Public Art Sensory Experience

Best for larger groups! Explore the Scottsdale Public Art Permanent Collection with an additional one-hour sensory-based experience of the sculptures located just outside SMoCA at Scottsdale Civic Center.  

Note: Public Art Sensory experience is available depending on weather conditions.

Length: two hours
Grades: best for grades 5 and up
Capacity: 45 students
Cost: free for schools, youth groups, and higher education students with school ID

SMoCA museum programs sponsored by:

SMoCA Museum Program/Tour Request Form

Note: Field trips are offered Tuesday–Thursday, from 9–11:30 a.m. in one- or two-hour time slots. Please consider this when choosing dates and times.

Time Scheduling

Select the tour/s that you are most interested in:
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Preferred Start Time:
Note: SMoCA Discovery Tours + Workshop and SMoCA Discovery Tour + Public Art Sensory Experience require two hours and can only be started at 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.

Contact Information

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