School Tours

The Lightner Museum welcomes school groups at reduced rates for a minimum of 10 students. Guided and self-guided tours of the museum’s galleries are available. Tours take approximately 45 minutes and are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. All school group tours must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance.

Guided Group Tours (10 or more guests)

Option1:
Travel, Tourism, and Technology: Henry Flagler’s St. Augustine
Enjoy a docent-led tour exploring Henry Flagler’s contributions to Northeast Florida. The tour uses the museum’s historic building, the former Hotel Alcazar, to examine Flagler’s development of tourism and transportation in Florida during the Gilded Age.

This tour aligns with Florida’s 4th Grade Social Studies Standards:
S.S.4.A.4.1.: Explain the effects of technological advances on Florida
S.S.4.A.6.3.: Describe the contributions of significant individuals in Florida
S.S.4.A.8.4.: Explain how tourism affects Florida’s economy and growth

Option 2:
Lightner Museum General Tour: Enjoy a docent-led highlights tour exploring our historic building and unique museum collection.

Schedule a Tour

To schedule a group tour please submit a reservation request form to the Group Tour Department at least two months prior to the proposed arrival date.

For inquires please call the Group Tour Department at
904.824.2874 ext. 102
[email protected]

Chaperone Policy

Chaperones are expected to stay with their group, support student learning and be attentive participants during student visits. Lightner Museum requires one adult chaperone for every 10 students visiting the museum. The museum provides complimentary admission for one adult chaperone for every 10 students. Additional adults with a school group are charged the student rate.

Reservation Information

A group consists of a minimum of 10 participants with a maximum number to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

School tours require a minimum of two month’s advance notice and a credit card to hold the reservation. Group leaders must submit a completed reservation request form to the Group Tour Department at least two months prior to the proposed arrival date. Requests must include two possible arrival dates. Requests are not confirmed until a representative from the Group Tour Department sends a written confirmation by e-mail.

Self-guided group visits without a docent may be scheduled with one week’s advance notice.

Group Arrival

Please plan to arrive at the museum 15 minutes prior to the designated time of your program. If your group is running late, please let us know as soon as possible by calling the main desk at 904.824.2874.

What to Expect During your Visit

To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable visit, please review the following expectations with all adults and students who will attend the visit.

  • Stick together. All students must stay with adult chaperones at all times when visiting the museum galleries. This includes students on self-guided visits.

  • Travel light! The museum cannot store coats and backpacks for large groups. Items should be left on your motor coach.

  • Discussion and Movement. There is a lot to talk about at the museum but please do so with inside voices and remind your group to walk inside the museum. Students are responsible for keeping their bodies and behavior under control at all times. Chaperones are responsible for behavior reminders.

  • Screen break. Everyone should turn off cell phones or set to silent when in the galleries. In order to preserve the artwork, flash photography is not permitted in any galleries.

  • Close looking encouraged, but not too close. Remind students to stay at least 18 inches away from artwork, even when pointing.

  • Museum Shop. Groups are welcome to visit the Museum Shop in groups of 10 or less while accompanied by a chaperone.

Deposit/Payment/Cancellation Policies

A group consists of a minimum of 10 participants with a maximum number to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Guided tours require a minimum of three weeks’ advance notice and a credit card to hold the reservation. Group leaders must submit a completed reservation request form to the Group Tour Department at least three weeks prior to the proposed arrival date. Requests must include two possible arrival dates. Requests are not confirmed until a representative from the Group Tour Department sends a written confirmation by e-mail.

Self-guided group visits without a docent may be scheduled with one week’s advance notice.