School Programs

School Groups

Due to restricted admission numbers and timed-ticketing, a bulk ticket option is now available for homeschool groups interested in visiting the Cheekwood on weekdays:

• • Self-guided tours and bulk tickets available with advanced reservations.
• • Guided tours are not currently available due to COVID-19.
• • Group rates and bulk tickets are available for parties of 15 or more guests and include complimentary admission for the group leader.
• • Tours can be arranged for fewer than 15 guests, but the full fee for 15 will be charged.

For prices and to book a group, please email education@cheekwood.org.

Art Outreach

Grades: 3 – 5
Cost: FREE!
Capacity: Up to 120 students

Art Outreach brings Cheekwood-inspired, hands-on art and science lessons to your school. During Art Outreach, students will explore landscape architecture by learning about Cheekwood’s history and dive into Cheekwood’s permanent art collection by critically examining selected pieces. Additional stations focus on temporary art and seasonal garden exhibitions. After rotating through these Cheekwood teacher-led stations, students bring home their masterpieces at the end of the day. During the 2018-19 school year, 100% of teachers that participated in this program said that Art Outreach satisfied or exceeded their expectations and that they would recommend it to their colleagues.

Cheekwood Explorations: Read, Paint & Plant

Grades: 3 – 5
Cost: FREE!
Capacity: Up to 120 students

“Most of my students have never been to Cheekwood before, so this trip is really eye-opening for them. Plus, they’re learning so much and having fun while they’re at it!” – Teacher from Wilson County

During this program, students are brought to Cheekwood for a day of hands-on plant and animal science activities in the gardens. The program is offered at no cost to schools; Cheekwood pays for bus transportation and admission for teachers, students, and chaperones.

The Cheekwood Explorations Program is sponsored by

Destination Cheekwood

Grades: K-8 students and their families
Cost: FREE!
Capacity: Up to 120 people

Destination Cheekwood brings families to Cheekwood on a Saturday for a visit filled with art, garden, and historical experiences and activities. Transportation, admission, activities, and lunch are provided, giving families the opportunity to enjoy the best of Cheekwood’s seasonal festivals. Click the button below to submit an application form.

The Destination Cheekwood Program is supported, in part, by The Memorial Foundation and the William N. Rollins Fund for the Arts fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

The Middle Tennessee Scholastic Art Awards

The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, a national nonprofit organization, was established in 1994 to provide guidance and support for the next generation. The Alliance fosters the creative development of youth across the country through The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the most prestigious recognition initiative for creative teens, and the largest source of scholarships for young artists. Alumni of the Scholastic Art Awards include artists Andy Warhol, Philip Pearlstein, Cy Twombly, Robert Indiana, Kay WalkingStick, Mozelle Thompson, Hughie Lee-Smith, and John Baldessari.

For the 30^th year, Cheekwood is proud to present the The Middle Tennessee Scholastic Art Awards. This year, Middle Tennessee students in grades 7-12 are invited to submit works to be considered for recognition by December 15, 2020. The exhibition displays the Gold Key and Silver Key award recipient pieces, honoring the artistic talent and innovation of area students. For more information, visit the Scholastic Affiliate page here.

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