We welcome school groups of all ages at the Gallery.
Get hands-on with art in our buzzing Art Studio with artist-led workshops, or explore the Gallery at your own pace with a self-led visit. Sessions fill up fast—so make sure to book early.
Studio workshops
Primary schools – come get creative with us!
Bring your class to Dulwich Picture Gallery for hands-on, artist-led workshops that link to the national curriculum and spark big ideas. Explore our Collection and exhibitions, or go self-led with our ready-to-print resources.
Sessions are perfect for Reception to KS5 and can be tailored for SEND groups too.
Collection Connections
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11.30am or 12.30-2pm
£120 per session (for up to 30 students)
These artist-led workshops open in the Gallery by looking at a small, themed selection of paintings from the Collection to initiate enquiry-based dialogue and conversation. Back in the studio, students will be supported to experiment with a variety of materials, processes and skills while continuing to consider the workshop theme.
School visits to our Collection give pupils the chance to see works ranging from Tudor times to the 19th century, by artists including Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Poussin. Our Sculpture Garden also provides a great opportunity to enjoy architecture and nature in one setting.
Through our Collection students can explore the themes of Identity or Nature.
Mark Makers
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11.30am or 12.30-2pm
£120 per session (for up to 30 students)
Mark Makers is a unique workshop developed by our artist team drawing on their experiences of using creativity to support wellbeing. It has been created in response to increased levels of anxiety in school aged students. It is the perfect session for students at any time of the year and can support a whole school approach to Mental Health.
The session starts with a mindful activity in the Gallery and then moves to the Art Studio where students will explore different creative processes to create their own toolkit of creative ideas.
ArtPlay Pavilion sessions
Wednesdays and Thursdays
Suitable for classes up to Year 2 and up to 30 children
The ArtPlay Pavilion is an immersive play experience, inviting under 8's to explore a playful, sensory-rich space which reimagines classic paintings from the Gallery’s collection as interactive play experiences: a slide through sunbeams, a swing among the clouds, and more.
ArtPlay sessions are 45 minutes and are available beginning on the hour at the following times: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00. We require an adult to pupil ratio of 1:6, and adults must remain with their students at all times while inside the building.
This is a self-guided experience, with no artist-led activities or instruction. Your class will have exclusive use of the space during your allocated session.
State Schools in Southwark, Lambeth or Lewisham
ArtPlay sessions are free and available to book on Wednesdays.
All other schools
For all other schools, sessions are available on Thursdays and charged as follows:
£150 - Independent Schools
£120 - State Schools located outside of Southwark, Lambeth or Lewisham
Self-led visits
Tuesdays and Fridays
Explore the Gallery at your own pace with our self-led resources. Choose from a selection of self-led guides to discover the collection through a playful and experimental approach. Self-led visits are free but must be booked in advance.
Groups up to KS3 are required to split into groups of six to enter the Gallery with one adult present in each group. Groups in KS3 and above are required to split into groups of 10 with one adult present in each group.
Book today by emailing schools@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.
Check out the guides below:
School visit FAQs
Transport links and directions to the Gallery can be found on our Visit us page.
We have a few options for school groups:
Self-led visits are free but must be booked in advance by emailing schools@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.
Studio sessions with our team of artist facilitators cost £120 for up to 30 students.
We always like to come and welcome you to the Gallery so we can help you orientate you and your students.
If you have booked a self-led visit, please wait outside the Gallery’s main entrance for a member of the team to greet you.
If you have booked a studio session, please make your way to the Art Studio where a member of the team will meet you. The Art Studio is located along the glass corridor between the café and the shop.
All teachers and accompanying adults are responsible for student supervision while at Dulwich Picture Gallery. We require the following adult to child ratio for your visit.
KS1–2 classes — 1 adult to 6 students
KS3–5 classes — 1 adult to 10 students
Teachers and adults should remain with their pupils at all times.
Teachers / Group Leaders remain responsible for children’s behaviour whilst visiting the Gallery – this includes in the workshops.
Our facilitators will direct the learning and focus on delivering an inspiring and engaging workshop. School staff and accompanying adults must appropriately manage the behaviour of the group. Children must not be left unaccompanied at any time, even if one of our Gallery staff or volunteers is present.
Many of the frames and artworks are fragile and must not be touched, so that we can ensure their safety and enjoyment for future generations to come.
Yes please! We want to ensure that every child and young person has a high-quality experience during their visit. You can advise about specific needs on our studio session booking form or email the schools team on schools@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Please provide information on allergies, hearing/visual/mobility impairments, coordination issues, behavioural needs and ESOL. Please note that all areas of the Gallery are on one level. There is step free access to the Art Studio, toilets and Gallery.
Yes, we have a children's canteen, plus three acres of gardens for your students to have lunch in.
Yes, we have dedicated cupboards for school groups. A member of the team will direct you to them on arrival.
Yes, there are a number of toilet facilities available. There are dedicated toilets for school groups in the Canteen, there are also toilets in the ArtPlay Pavilion, in the corridor between the Art Studio and Cafe and outside, next to the shop. There are also accessible toilets available in these locations.
Yes. Please let us know as soon as you can if you need to cancel or change your booking. Cancellations within two weeks of the workshop date will incur the full cost of the workshop.
Yes we do. Please email schools@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk if you require a copy.
A first aider is always on duty at the Gallery. If you or your group require first aid, please notify a member of staff immediately.
For any other questions, please contact the schools team by email on schools@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.