Self-Guided Visits
Explore Mia with your group at your own pace! Self-guided visits allow groups of all ages to experience Mia’s collection with an array of possibilities. As a self-guided group, you can bring your own resources to aid in your exploration or request materials from us. Self-guided visits are free for all age groups.
Request a Tour
We ask all organizations and groups of 10+ people to fill out our request form for a self-guided visit at least two weeks in advance of your visit. We can accommodate walk-ups for smaller groups, but pre-registration is preferred.
For all groups, we provide assistance with entering the museum, storing belongings, and reviewing guidelines.
If you would prefer a tour for your group led by a tour guide, learn more about our guided tour options.
Group Guidelines
Our group guidelines help you and your group prepare for your visit and include information about chaperones, parking, and tour policies. Guidelines are available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
Upon arrival, a Mia staff member will greet your group. Chaperones receive tags to wear during the visit. We provide multiple spaces to store belongings such as backpacks, coats, and water bottles. All chaperones and students need to review the group guidelines before entering the museum.
Art and Activities Accessible for Everyone
Use this sensory-friendly map to help guide your visit. We also provide free sensory totes, wheelchairs, and walkers.
Walk-Up Groups
All organizations and groups of 10+ people need to fill out a walk-up group form upon arrival.
All walk-up groups need to review the museum’s rules with a Mia staff member. And your group will have access to storage spaces. K–12 walk-up groups are not guaranteed a lunch space.
We ask that large groups provide advance notice of your self-guided visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between self-guided visits and guided tours?
Self-guided visits are led by the group, while guided tours are led by a museum tour guide. We request that all self-guided and guided groups fill out our tour request form, with a two-week advance notice for self-guided groups and a minimum five-week advance notice for guided groups.
What do you recommend we do as a self-guided group?
You can explore our activities for self-guided groups. You’re also welcome to come prepared with your own materials, such as a scavenger hunt or a school assignment to guide your visit. As the name suggests, your visit is guided by yourselves, so you have freedom to experience Mia however you’d like.
How long is a self-guided visit?
Self-guided visits don’t have a time limit, other than our operating hours. You can visit the museum at your own pace.
I requested a self-guided visit. Can we get a tour guide for our group?
Guided tours require a minimum five-week advance notice. We can’t accommodate late requests for tour guides.
When will I receive confirmation about my request?
After filling out the tour request form, you’ll receive an email confirmation within two weeks of your request. In the email, you’ll get more information to help you prepare for your visit.
Why do I need to fill out a form for a self-guided group if we’re guiding ourselves?
Mia welcomes many types of groups. Filling out the form allows us to best support every group by organizing the needs of the day and ensuring a good experience for all.
I didn’t reserve a lunch space when I filled out the form, but we need a lunch space now. Is that possible?
Mia has multiple shared spaces available for walk-up group lunches, but space may be limited and isn’t guaranteed. Please note that food and drink are allowed on only the first floor and outside.