Hello! The Learning & Engagement Department is delighted that you are interested in the New Docent Program. Do you appreciate art, like to learn new things, and enjoy sharing them with others? Then the Docent program may be for you.

We have shifted to a schedule of training new Docent classes every other year. The next Docent class will start September 2027, application materials will be available on this page Spring 2027. For more information about future Docent classes, please email [email protected].

Docents are volunteers who serve the Museum and the community as tour guides to 10,000 schoolchildren, as well as 50,000 visitors each year.

Docents are dedicated to developing a dialogue with visitors to create an engaging experience with art. They reflect the NBMAA’s welcoming approach and invite persons of all backgrounds and languages to join them.

You will find that being a Docent is its own reward as you guide others to experience art for themselves, benefit from being part of a thriving community of learners, and enjoy ongoing education in the field of art.

The most important qualities in becoming an NBMAA Docent are enthusiasm, curiosity, flexibility, and a joy in learning with others. You do not need to have art or art history experience—we will teach you what you need to know as part of your docent training course. It is an exciting review of the latest art scholarship and art education ideas—a graduate course without the tests!

The primary focus of the new class of NBMAA Docents is to learn how to provide a variety of school tours to children, tweens, and teens in an interactive, engaging manner. Tours generally take place on weekday mornings and Docents typically give two tours each month. Each tour has a defined focus and features the NBMAA permanent collection. Every tour helps school-age children discover their own interpretations of art.

The training program meets on Monday afternoons from September through May. Museum staff, Docents, and guest lecturers lead the trainees in the study of the Museum’s permanent collection, in an understanding of the variety of school tours, and in the most effective techniques for touring with school-age students. Docents-in-training shadow experienced Docents, do guided practice in developing their touring skills, and serve as touring interns during late spring. They graduate in May to join the many active Docents serving the NBMAA.

The NBMAA cares deeply about the education of our Docents and makes a substantial investment in preparing them. In exchange, Docents who are accepted into the program are expected to join the Museum at the Friend’s Circle Level Membership for the first year. In addition, there is a $50 fee to cover materials. Scholarship opportunities are available. After completing the program successfully, Docents may renew their required membership at any level. 

The application for the New Docent Class of 2026 is closed. This webpage will be updated when new recruitment begins for the next Docent class.