Education

Overview

MASS MoCA provides educational programs for K-12 students and teachers through guided gallery tours, art-making activities, and performing arts events. The museum uses contemporary art as a platform for discussing social issues and expanding understanding of the creative process.

School Partnership Program

MASS MoCA's school partnership program provides 100% subsidized educational opportunities to students and teachers across 17 partner schools in four districts: North Adams Public School District, North Berkshire School Union, Hoosac Valley Regional School District, and Pittsfield Public Schools. Each year participating schools attend curriculum-based tours followed by art-making projects.

Guided Tours

Trained museum educators provide one-hour conversation and inquiry-based tours focusing on 3-5 exhibitions and MASS MoCA history. Tours use Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) components. Grade-specific curriculum-based tours available: Grades Pre-K-2 (Elements of Art), Grades 3-5 (Perspective & Individuality), Grades 6-8 (Perspective & Context), Grades 9-12 (Stories & Histories). Custom and highlights tours can be designed to meet specific learning goals.

Art Assembly Performances

Art Assembly is a performing arts education initiative presenting live performance events throughout the school year. Recent performers include Soul Steps (Fall 2023), Kasambwe Brothers (Fall 2024), and Floating Tower (Spring 2025). The program is supported by the Avangrid Foundation and the Pauline Young Music Fund.

Teacher Workshops & Resources

• Educator Professional Development Day: Saturday, August 22, 10am–3pm, Free (RSVP required). Workshops on Teaching Contemporary Art with Larger-than-Life Artists and Arts Integration to Support STEM Learning.

Family Night

MASS MoCA hosts a free after-hours Family Night in the fall each year for families of partner school students. Attendees receive free admission, food, and art-making activities. The 2023 event was supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and W.L.S. Spencer Foundation.

Contact & Access

For questions or to arrange a visit for your students, email [email protected]. Chaperone Checklist available for school visits. Title 1 schools receive additional discounts on admission and educator fees.