When Creating is Playing
This tour delves into the creativity and originality of artists’ creative processes and includes a creative workshop to explore the use of materials.
Information
Workshop option
60-min tour + 60-min creative activity
Fee for Workshop option
$260
Exploration option
60-min tour + 30-min creative activity
Fee for Exploration option
$230
Like to stay longer?
We also offer a full-day Museum package for $450.
Location
Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace at 2075 Bishop Street
Reservations
514-285-2000, option 5
Topics explored
Effects
Students will discover different effects used by artists to support/express/convey the intended message behind their works.Materials
Students will discover the evocative power of different materials.Ideas
Students will explore the process of idea association or disruption used by artists that enable them to create a unique work.
The tour
Students will explore specific themes discussed during an interactive tour developed around artworks in the international contemporary art collection and the decorative arts and design collection.
Throughout the tour, the students will participate in different theme-based activities:
- Association games
- Observation games
- Spontaneous creativity games
- Interactive discussions
Creative activity
Workshop option
Students will experiment with the play of materials by applying the notion of randomness and visual play as they create a unique work of art.
Materials used:
- Paint
- Plasticine
- Oil pastels
Exploration option
Students will experiment with the play of materials as they create a small assemblage.
Materials used:
- Plasticine
- Oil pastels
The learning progression
Thanks to its encyclopedic collection, the Museum is a fertile ground for stimulating reflection on ethical issues, learning about history, discovering the diversity of the world’s cultures and developing critical-thinking skills. Beyond artistic discovery, students will build their understanding of the world at the Museum.
In this activity, students will specifically learn to:
All cycles
Personal development
- Practise different forms of dialogues
- Practise the conditions that favour dialogue
- Practise techniques for developing a point of view
- Practise techniques for questioning a point of view
Arts
- Name (1st cycle), identify (2nd cycle) and differentiate between (3rd cycle) transforming gestures and tools
- Name (1st cycle), identify (2nd cycle) and differentiate between (3rd cycle) elements of the visual arts language
- Appreciate works of art and cultural objects of artistic heritage
- Produce personal works of visual art
Go more in depth
EDUCART is an interdisciplinary pedagogical tool for Quebec teachers that was designed by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Among the many works featured on this platform, we suggest you consult Fake Armchair by Danful Yang on the theme of a play of materials.
Planning your visit
We recommend you review the Museum’s code of conduct with your students by referring to our MuseuManners.
Get ready for your visit!
Entrance
The group entrance is located at 2187 Bishop Street.
School bus
If you are coming by school bus, allow extra time for potential traffic congestion.
Métro station
The Museum is a 5-minute walk from the Guy-Concordia Métro station (Guy exit).
Allow sufficient time
Allow approximately 15 minutes for students to be greeted at the entrance, to go to the cloakroom and washroom, and to be divided into groups.
Movement through the galleries
To facilitate movement through the galleries and ensure that everyone gets a good view of the works, each class will be divided into two subgroups composed of a maximum of 15 students (11 for preschool groups). The class will regroup afterward in the workshop, if applicable.
Prohibited items
Backpacks, food, beverages and umbrellas are not permitted in the galleries.
Activities led by museum staff
To book an activity with an MMFA guide or mediator, you must contact us at least three weeks in advance. The earlier you book, the greater your choice of activities.
Self-guided tours of the collections
You can also organize your own group tour to the Museum’s collections. Please contact us to book a time (availability will vary according to our program schedule). Restrictions may apply to the number of participants and access to the collections. During your visit, you are responsible for supervising the behaviour of your students and ensuring the safety of the artworks.
Please note that self-guided group tours are not permitted for the major exhibitions.
Partner teacher
Free access for elementary and secondary school teachers!
For many years, we have offered free access for elementary and secondary students, as part of our Partner Teacher program. Interested? Please contact our department to be added to this special list!
Group rates
The prices listed apply to classes of 30 students or less (primary or secondary level), as well as to groups of 22 children or less (kindergarten, preschool or day care). Please note that the price is a group rate and does not reflect the exact number of children.
Adjustments to pricing
Every day, our team goes all out to welcome you and your students under the best possible conditions. To deal with peak visitor periods, especially for the Museum’s major exhibitions, we have reviewed our experiences, from free activities to a custom workshop for $260.
Confirmation and invoicing by email
You will receive a confirmation letter and invoice by email. Please verify the information in these documents carefully. Payment in full can be made ahead of time or on the day of the activity.
Reservation modifications
We will do our best to accommodate change requests, depending on their nature. Please note that no changes to the number of students are accepted less than 12 business days before the activity.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations are accepted by phone only and can be made free of charge up to 12 business days before the scheduled event. You will then be issued a confirmation number. Cancellations or changes are not accepted within 12 business of the event, and the activity will be billed in full.
Planning your visit
To facilitate the arrival process and avoid wasting precious activity time, we strongly recommend you organize your student groups ahead of time. Each class must be divided into two teams of a maximum of 15 students (11 students for preschool groups). Each subgroup must be accompanied by one adult. The Museum mediator or guide will lead the tour.
We recommend you review the Museum’s code of conduct with your students by referring to our MuseuManners.
Directions and entrance
School buses
A reserved drop-off and parking area is located on Bishop Street.
Public transit
Guy-Concordia metro station (green line), 5 minutes from the Museum by foot; Bus 24, on Sherbrooke Street West – Bishop Street stop (eastbound) and Redpath Street (westbound)
Unless otherwise specified, the group entrance is located at 2075 Bishop Street.
Eating area
The Museum has a designated room where students can eat snacks or cold meals.
Please note that, for health reasons, students may eat in the workshop room reserved for the activity.
Prohibited items
Backpacks, food, beverages and umbrellas are not permitted in the galleries.
