Volunteer Guide Program—Docent
A Docent at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a trained volunteer who facilitates learning in the galleries. Adults, 21 and over, are welcome to apply to this highly competitive training program. Docents give interactive tours to children and adults, primarily focusing on school children, throughout the year. Tours feature highlights of the collection; a focus on a particular collection; cross collections in a thematic format.
Training is a two-year commitment that includes art history, the Museum’s collection, touring techniques and strategies, and logistics. Classes meet one to two times per week during the day beginning in August and ending in May with short breaks in between units. Class does not meet in the summer.
Expectations and Requirements of a Docent (PDF)
What’s the difference between a Docent and Museum Guide? (PDF)
Docent Application (PDF)