LEARN
Learn
2023–2024 School Visits to OMCA
We’re excited for the 2023–24 school year. We look forward to greeting you and your students with onsite programs that help students reflect, connect, and contribute to their communities.
Come explore the many stories of California and its people, learn about the natural, artistic, and social forces that affect the state, and investigate your own role in both its history and its future.
Whether in OMCA’s Galleries of California Art, History, or Natural Sciences, or one of our special exhibitions, all of our cross-disciplinary programs are rooted in inquiry, dialogue, and creative expression, centering joy and justice.
If a program is sold out, you are welcome to join our waitlist.
Stay up-to-date through our teacher mailing list.
Subscribeonsite
field trips
Visit OMCA in-person for a guided gallery visit, performance, or self-guided field trip. Please note: if a program is sold out, you are welcome to join our waitlist.
Plan
Your field trip
Payment
Field trips scheduled using our online registration system require a credit card for payment. To pay by invoice, email [email protected] before registering.
Scholarships & Discounts
OMCA offers a 30% discount for Oakland Unified School District groups, and a 50% discount for Title I schools on all programs and self-guided visits. A limited number of bus scholarships for Oakland and Richmond schools are available, which can be requested during registration. Priority is given to OUSD and Title I schools.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
If you need to reschedule or cancel your field trip, please contact [email protected] at least two weeks before your scheduled visit to receive a refund.
Walk-up Groups
We ask that all groups book in advance. Due to limited same-day availability, we may not be able to accommodate a walk-up group. Walk-up groups are required to pay the standard group rate in order to gain entry to the museum, plus a $25 walk-up fee. No additional discounts are available for walk-up groups.
Waitlist
Join our waitlist if the program you are interested in is currently sold out. If a program spot opens up that matches your request, we’ll contact you to make your reservation.
Chaperones
The Museum requires these chaperone to student ratios through grade 12:
1:10 minimum
1:4 maximum
1:6 in the OMCA Store
A maximum of 10 chaperones are allowed per reservation. Please note, if the ratio of adult chaperones to students exceeds 1:4, there will be a charge of $9.50 per additional adult.
School Group Entrance
The OMCA School Group Entrance is located in the Amphitheater on 10th Street, at the intersection with Fallon Street.
Transportation & Parking
We encourage groups to take public transportation when possible. We are located one block from the Lake Merritt BART Station and a 15 minute walk from 12th Street BART Station. Check out BART’s field trip discounts. Buses may drop off at the School Group Entrance on 10th Street. The Museum parking garage may be full at times. If you drive, please allow extra time for parking. Learn more.
Lunch & Backpack Storage
Please leave student backpacks at school or on the bus. A limited number of first-come, first-served lockers are located outside of the Gallery of California History, and cannot be guaranteed available. Please do not bring valuables to the Museum. Adults with backpacks must hand-carry them at their side or front while in the galleries. Lunches can be stored at OMCA’s School Group Entrance during your visit. Bag lunches can be eaten in the Museum garden or at the picnic tables near the Koi Pond, but are not allowed in the Town Fare cafe or at the tables on the cafe terrace.
Accessibility
OMCA is committed to accessibility for all. Guests using wheelchairs should enter at the Oak Street Plaza entrance, which is accessible by ramp from the sidewalk on Oak Street. A limited number of wheelchairs and assistive listening devices are available for loan onsite. An elevator is available to access the three levels once within the Museum. Please reserve at least three weeks in advance and email [email protected] if you would like a program adapted to the special needs of your group. Learn more.
Museum Guidelines
Please review the Museum’s rules ahead of time with students and chaperones. Learn more.
Explore OMCA
While you’re at OMCA, be sure to check out our Gallery of California Art, Gallery of California History, Gallery of California Natural Sciences, and Garden. Please note that the OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace was designed for children ages 2 to 5. We ask that K–12 school groups refrain from entering this area. Learn more.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected].
TEACHER
RESOURCES
Whether you’re planning a lesson for your classroom, or a trip to the Oakland Museum of California, our materials provide information and ideas to use with your students. Browse OMCA’s online collection resources, curriculum, and other materials for your classroom or Museum visit.
School programs and tours are made possible in part by generous support from the Oakland Women’s Board, Kaiser Permanente, Koret Foundation, and PG&E.
Additional support is provided by The Barrios Trust, Dodge & Cox, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, The Joseph and Mercedes McMicking Foundation, The Morrison & Foerster Foundation, Pixar Animation Studios, Port of Oakland, The Nora Eccles Treadwell Foundation, Union Bank, and by an Anonymous Foundation.
