How to Schedule a Guided Tour
Any group is free to book a guided tour with us whether you are community-based or educational.
Tours are available Tuesdays through Fridays when the university is in session any time between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
There is no cost to visit the museum or schedule a tour. Guided tours are available for groups of at least 5 individuals and cannot exceed 20 participants. Tours are designed for groups ages 6+ and have the flexibility to focus on a variety of areas and topics. Tours are not available for children younger than 5.
Tours must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you schedule a tour, it means you are requesting a museum tour guide to lead your group through the museum and talk about the exhibits. In order for us to have time to plan appropriately for your visit and schedule a guide(s), we need at least two weeks advance notice.
- Please note: Groups are not required to schedule a guided tour. Many groups do not want a guided tour and wish to explore the museum independently. We request you still let us know in advance so we can serve you better and make your visit a pleasant one!
A Note for Educators: All educational groups elementary through university level must have an instructor present during the tour.
All groups with children under the age of 18 are required to have at least one adult chaperone present for the duration of the tour. The chaperone is expected to ensure museum policies are followed as well as monitor their group’s behavior.
We realize that with students and chaperones many group sizes exceed the 20 participants limit. In order to maintain the safety of the objects and ensure that all visitors have access to the museum during tours, 20 total individuals permitted in a tour group is firm. Please be prepared to divide classes if the number of students and chaperones will be more than 20. Please be aware that elementary age groups may be asked to divide into groups of 10 with at least one chaperone per group.
Thank you for your understanding and support in maintaining a safe and pleasant museum environment.
Tours vary in length depending on the tour choice scheduled (*see below).
*TOUR OPTIONS
Standard: Our standard tour is approximately 40 minutes long and is available to adults or groups with participants 3rd grade and older. This tour includes visiting all exhibition areas (Human Origins & Archaeology, Archery, and North American Peoples) and includes the current special exhibition.
Abridged: Our abridged tour is 30 minutes long and is available to groups kindergarten through 2nd grade, or to groups of any age, kindergarten through adult, with limited time. This tour includes visiting the Human Origins & Archaeology exhibit OR the Archery & North American Peoples exhibit. If your group is studying a particular topic from one of the other exhibit areas, please let us know and we will do our best to switch areas visited.
Single Area Discussion: In lieu of a tour, some groups prefer discussing just one area of the museum. We offer 15-20 minute discussions on the objects in one of these areas: Human Origins, Archaeology, North American Peoples, Current Special Exhibit, or Archery.
Please note:
There are two museums located on the lower level of Ellis Library. Our tours only cover the Museum of Anthropology and do not include any other museums or exhibits in Ellis Library.
**Teachers and Chaperones
For groups age Kindergarten – 8th grade we ask that there is a minimum of one adult leader for every ten students. During the tour we ask the leaders to be responsible for the students’ behavior and remain with them at all times. The chaperones and teachers count as group members, so please keep that in mind as our maximum number of individuals in a group is 20. We do not offer tours for children younger than kindergarten.
For high school and university groups, one instructor is required for each group of 20 students.
Please review the Museum Policies with every member of your group before arriving for your tour.
Parking
Visitor parking is available in the parking structure located on Hitt Street and University Ave. Bicycle-racks are provided across campus and in Lowry Mall. Buses may unload on Hitt Street in front of Memorial Union.
Schedule A Tour
Click the link below to open an email with the information fields below (works with an email manager, such as Outlook, or via Mail app). Alternative: please email the information below to anthromuseum@missouri.edu.
Please be prepared to provide the following:
- School/Organization name (if applicable)
- Grade level or age group
- Group size, including teachers/chaperones**
- Date and time - please include at least one alternate
- Topics interested in or purpose of tour
- Which tour will you be taking? Standard (45min), Abridged (30min), Single Area Discussion (15-20min)
- Name, email, and phone number of two contact persons
Please note: If your group is visiting to independently explore the museum and you do not want a tour guide, you do not need to fill out this form.
My group wants to visit but we don't want a tour. Can we explore the museum on our own?
Absolutely. Groups visiting are not required to schedule a tour and are welcome to explore the museum on their own. You can prepare for your visit by reviewing our Visitor page. Information on the exhibits can be found on our Exhibitions page.
We kindly request groups larger than 6 individuals give 24-hour advance notice, so we can ensure the museum is accessible. Please email anthromuseum@missouri.edu your planned time of arrival and the number of individuals in your group.
Questions About Booking a Guided Tour?
Call 573-882-3573
-or-
Email the Tour Coordinator
There is NO COST to book a tour. If you wish, donations are always welcome and help fund our exhibits and outreach efforts!
