Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC)

Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) guided tours explore the Saint Louis Art Museum’s collection through close observation, conversation, and inquiry-based learning. Public, private, and parochial schools in Saint Louis City and County are invited to participate in this free, multi-visit program for fourth and fifth grade students.

The ABC program utilizes the galleries of the Saint Louis Art Museum as sites for experiential learning. Students explore select areas of the Museum’s collection through a series of pre-scheduled 2-visit, 3-visit, or 4-visit guided tours. With these visits, students will gain familiarity with the Museum and experience viewing and discussing art with peers and educators. Each 90-minute tour is designed to make connections across cultures, time periods, subject areas, and media. Teachers can choose from six themes that offer diverse artwork selections, activities, and prompts that emphasize critical thinking, active learning, opportunities for personal connections, multi-modal engagement, and more.

Teachers may choose from the following themes (theme descriptions are located in the application form):

• Storytelling and Art
• Full STEAM Ahead
• Artists and the Outdoors
• Powerful Portraits
• Amazing Art Materials
• American Journeys

During each visit, specially trained Museum guides utilize multiple modes of learning to enhance critical thinking skills, while the Museum’s encyclopedic collection encourages students to discover common themes throughout history and across cultures, providing a global view of visual art expression. All ABC students receive a sketchbook and pencil to record their responses through a range of hands-on writing and drawing activities.

The Museum requires each school group to assign one adult chaperone to accompany every ten students. Schools are responsible for arranging their own transportation. The Museum offers transportation assistance for qualifying schools.

We are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 ABC Sessions. Application forms will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. We understand that school schedules and student totals are likely to change before your scheduled visits, therefore, we confirm all details prior to each visit. Please email studentprograms@slam.org for assistance.