There are different ways for Pre-K – 12 groups to experience Grounds For Sculpture. Teachers may choose to self-guide with their students or to explore the grounds through a one-hour Guided Tour. Groups with advance reservations can visit GFS for a modest fee of $5 per student. Please note this fee will increase to $8 per student beginning in January 2020.
Pre-K – 12 groups are limited to 50 students per school per day. Due to the large number of requests we receive, scheduling a visit at least six weeks in advance is highly recommended. All requests are subject to availability.
GUIDED TOURS
Guided Tours are available with advance notice for 3rd – 12th grade school, camp, and youth groups numbering 50 students or less. Trained guides cover a select number of sculptures throughout the garden and may briefly introduce the works in GFS’ indoor galleries. Guided Tours are available Tuesday-Friday at no additional cost to visiting school groups and are subject to availability.
SCHOOL TRIP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In 2018, GFS launched our School Trip Scholarship program to further broaden access to arts and cultural experiences. This program waives admission fees for New Jersey Pre-K – 12 schools who demonstrate financial need and articulate a specific curriculum connected motivation for visiting. Guides are provided for all scholarship groups, and a limited number of transportation scholarships are also available for eligible schools.
The next application period will begin in September 2019. For more information, please review the following School Trip Scholarship Program PDF.
PAYMENT
A non-refundable $50 deposit is due to confirm your visit. This amount will be deducted from the total amount due when full payment is collected.
Full Payment will be collected upon arrival at Grounds For Sculpture or can be prepaid in advance. We accept cash, credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover), checks, or Purchase Orders.
Please make checks and POs payable to Grounds For Sculpture.
CHAPERONES
All Pre-K – 12 students must be accompanied by adults at all times.
Grades Pre-K – 5 must be accompanied by (1) chaperone for every (5) students.
Grades 6 – 12 must be accompanied by (1) chaperone for at least every (10) students. Additional adults will be required to pay regular admission, unless due to the particular needs of your group additional chaperones are required.
PRE-VISIT INFORMATION
Please review our Student Group Visit Reminders and the Introduction to GFS Slideshow on your own and with your students before your visit.
LUNCH
Pre-K – 12 groups are permitted to carry unopened bagged lunches with them on the grounds to enjoy at designated eating areas. Student group eating areas are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the case of inclement weather, please note that we cannot guarantee an available eating area inside. In such cases, groups may be asked to eat lunch on the bus.
Groups can also order bagged lunches to be picked up on-site. Orders must be received five business days prior to the date of your visit. A credit card number is required to guarantee your order. For information about bagged lunches and a sample menu, please contact the The Peacock Café via email at cafe@groundsforsculpture.org.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible pathways run throughout the garden, and our Welcome Center and Domestic Arts Building are fully accessible. The ground floor of the Museum Building is also accessible.
Large print versions of select brochures are available. Assistive Listening Devices are also available for visitors with hearing impairments.
To learn more about ongoing access services and accommodations, including information on mobility assistance, please click here.
CANCELLING AND RESCHEDULING
Please contact the Group Visit Coordinator at (609) 249-0200 as soon as possible if you need to reschedule your visit, and we will try to accommodate any changes. The $50 deposit required to confirm your visit is non-refundable for cancellations.
The next application period will begin in September 2019. For more information, please review the following School Trip Scholarship Program PDF.
