Volunteer
Docents (pronounced doh-sents) serve as the Chazen's volunteer tour guides. Guides are recruited and trained on the basis of their ability and enthusiasm for learning and sharing information about original works of art with visitors from the public and the university. After extensive training, docents lead groups of adults and children through the galleries discussing the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Training takes place periodically, approximately every three years. Recruitment, however, is ongoing.
Training consists of a minimum 22-session course about the museum's collections, held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in the fall and early winter of the training year. Participants should expect to serve a minimum of a two-year commitment. After the initial training and an evaluated tour, docents attend periodic continuing education meetings (approximately two per month) and give many tours for the Chazen.
Becoming a docent is an excellent way to learn about art history from original works of art and to gain or hone public speaking skills, while putting that knowledge to use in public service. For more information about the docent program or to have your name added to a recruitment list, contact the Curator of Education.