Become a volunteer Museum Guide
A Museum Guide is a trained volunteer who facilitates learning in the galleries and creates a sense of welcome and belonging for guests of all ages. Museum Guides assist with a variety of drop-in activities, including hands-on gallery stations, art conversations, and art-making.

Museum Guides volunteer two times per month for three-hour shifts on evenings and weekends. In addition to their nine-session initial training, Museum Guides complete ongoing continuing education throughout the year. This role is available to individuals who are 18 years or older.

Recruitment for new museum guides is currently closed. If you have any questions, please contact us at volunteer@nelson-atkins.org for more information.

What do I need to know about the Museum Guide program?

• No prior art history knowledge is required.
• Training will occur from January through March 2024 on your choice of either Tuesday or Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Four hours in class plus two to three hours of homework and tour practice each week. There will be breaks for holidays and time off.
• Museum Guides learn teaching strategies and the history of art in the context of in-gallery activities.
• Training is hands-on and interactive.
• Museum Guides work equally with children and adults.
• Museum Guides facilitate activities in the museum’s permanent collection, as well as in featured exhibitions.
• Museum Guides are required to complete 24 shifts a year within a flexible schedule and participate in continuing education sessions throughout the year.
• Museum Guides are required to have access to an active email account for scheduling and accessing resources.
• Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to apply. A background check is required for all volunteers.
• Entrance to the program involves an application and interview process. There are typically more applications than spots available.

What qualities are we looking for in a Museum Guide?

• Strong interpersonal skills; enjoys conversations with others.
• Positive, self-motivated, and open-minded.
• Likes working with guests of all ages.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
• Good listener.
• Curious, with a love of life-long learning.
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to changing situations.
• Willing to embrace an educational model that is audience-centered. (Note: Museum Guides do not lecture.)
• Reflective and able to take constructive feedback.

What are the rewards of becoming a Museum Guide?

• Connect with the museum and Kansas City community on a deeper level while sharing your enthusiasm for learning and art.
• Enjoy personal growth as you learn new skills and knowledge.
• Make new friends amongst fellow volunteers and staff.
• Give back to your community by helping spark a love of learning and cultural understanding in guests of all ages.