Elementary School Students

Each tour will last approximately one hour.

The Elements of Art: Looking to Learn
Artworks from Philbrook’s permanent collection and special exhibitions serve as the focal points for learning about the formal elements of art, such as line, color, shape, and form. As viewers interactively explore these concepts, they develop a deeper understanding of the language of art.

Stories in Art
On this fun and interactive tour, students visit several areas of Philbrook’s permanent collection and learn how to “read” the stories that works of art tell. Students view works from a variety of times and places while docents use special questioning techniques to help students learn to interpret art independently.

Highlights of the Collection
An introductory tour of Villa Philbrook and the Museum’s permanent collection includes examples of Italian Renaissance and Baroque painting and sculpture, ancient art and artifacts, 19th- and 20th-century European and American painting, Asian art, African art, and Native American art. Philbrook docents use special questioning techniques to help elementary students develop personal connections with the works of art.

Special Interest Tours
With at least three weeks notice, a Philbrook docent will develop a custom tour to fit the needs of your group. Focus on one or more areas of the permanent collection, including Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculpture, ancient art and artifacts, 19th- 20th century European and American painting, Asian art, African art, and Native American art

Philbook Storytime: for Pre-K and Kindergarten
This one-hour program for Pre-K and Kindergarten students consists of a story read aloud in one of the museum’s galleries and an art project in an education center classroom. The stories are told in themes that connect to the galleries followed by a related art project. For example, a Japanese story is told in the Japanese gallery followed by a Japanese fan project. Available Storytime themes are: Japanese, Native American, African, garden, and the elements of art. Availability is limited. Maximum 20 students.

Scheduling a Tour
Guided tours are available by contacting the Education Department at least two weeks prior to your visit. A minimum of 10 people per group is required with a maximum of 60. To schedule a tour, please contact the Education Coordinator at (918) 748-5309 and provide the following information:

1. Date and time of tour (please have two alternate dates and times available)
2. Group name, size, grade level or age
3. Type of tour desired (see tour descriptions)
4. Name of contact person, their phone number and address
5. Any special needs for individuals in your group

A tour confirmation will be mailed along with a set of guidelines for the museum visit. All group members must be made aware of guidelines prior to visiting the museum. Please note, that docents are required to wait only 15 minutes after the scheduled tour arrival time. Please be on time. Subsidies are available to help defray the cost of bus transportation.