Tours

Learn more about the art on view by taking a tour! Our conversational tours are led by docents eager to share their knowledge and insight. Drop in on a public tour, schedule a group tour for your friends, or bring your class for a field trip. We strive to personalize each experience, so no two tours will be the same.  

Public Tours

Public Tour Schedule
Thursday, 2 pm
Friday, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm
Saturday, noon, 2 pm
Sunday, 2 pm
Architecture public tour, first Saturdays, 2 pm 

Join a docent-led tour of the galleries! Our docents are excited to show you their favorite highlights on view, discuss works you’re curious about, or point out details of the building you may never have noticed. For a narrower focus, join a tour that spotlights special exhibitions or one about architecture. These tours are free with gallery admission and start by the information desk in the Grand Lobby.  

Architecture Tours

Architecture public tour, first Saturdays, 2 pm  
Private architecture tours upon request 

This tour focuses on the Modern’s renowned building, designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Tadao Ando. Learn the concepts behind Ando’s design and explore the variety of gallery spaces, the reflecting pond and grounds, the iconic concrete Y-columns, and many other aspects of what has been named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Art Museums” by Travel + Leisure. 

Spotlight Tours 

First Fridays, 6:30 pm, free admission

In the midst of the music and cocktails of our First Fridays events, join a short, 20-minute tour in the galleries. This tour is narrowly focused around a single theme and is the perfect break from the action of the Grand Lobby.

Slow Art Tours

Third Fridays, 5:30 pm, free admission

The aim of the Slow Art movement is to break with the often frenetic pace of modern life to simply enjoy works of art in a deliberate and unhurried fashion. Slow Art at the Modern invests in this pause with a 30-minute tour focusing on one work of art.  

World Language Tours

Spanish-language public tour, fourth Fridays, 6 pm, free admission
Private tours in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language available upon request

We welcome visitors from around the world, locals who are more comfortable in their native language, and English speakers who want to brush up on their language skills. With three weeks’ notice, we can provide a private docent-led tour in French, Spanish, or American Sign Language.