School programs are offered at the National Gallery of Canada (Gallery) and at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography (CMCP)*:

October to May
Guided Visits and Discovery Visits: Tuesday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Studio Activities: Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

June to September
Guided Visits: Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Don’t be late! Please arrive 15 minutes before your program start time. If delayed, call (613) 990-4888. If you arrive more than 20 minutes late, your program will be cancelled and you will be charged a cancellation fee of $60 per guide retained for your group.

*CMCP is temporarily closed due to construction. CMCP school programs are being held at the Gallery until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.

School Program Costs  

Add $2 admission fee per student for grades 7 to 12.  Costs include all applicable taxes.  Costs are subject to change without notice.

Self-Guided Visits
Self-guided groups are welcome to visit the Gallery and CMCP. Please notify the Group Reservation Office in advance at 613-990-4888 to ensure that your preferred gallery is available.

Teacher and Supervisor Roles
Adults accompanying student groups are expected to support the teacher’s goals in bringing their class to the Gallery and CMCP. Teachers and chaperones must supervise K–12 students at all times, including during lunch breaks, while visiting the Bookstore, and during self-guided activities.  Specifically, teachers and chaperones will be required to monitor students during in-gallery activities, assist with studio activities such as preparing and distributing materials, and clean up at the end of the activity.

Teachers and Supervisors: Ratio to Students
Please ensure that there is a 1:5 supervisor-to student ratio with all elementary groups.  Intermediate and high school groups require a 1:10 ratio. Teachers and supervisors visit free of charge, up to the ratio limit. In order to keep group sizes at an optimum level and ensure the quality of your program, please do not bring more than the required number of adult supervisors. Things your class should know before they visit the gallery: Careful, I'm an Original.

Group Sizes
Each theme is designed for a group of approximately 25 students. Both the Gallery and CMCP can accommodate more than one group at a time.  The minimum group size is 15 students. If your group is smaller than 15, you can still book a program; however, you will be charged for 15 students.

Lunch Facilities
At the Gallery, school groups may eat brought lunches in Sketches (located in the Tour Group Lobby - limited seating on a first-come basis), or they may purchase food at the cafeteria. No food services or facilities are available at CMCP.

Parking
Bus parking details will be provided on request at the time of booking. There is no parking at CMCP. Groups visiting CMCP should report to the Wellington Street entrance, located between the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel and the Rideau Canal.

Directions