Students will step into Europe's past by reenacting skills and techniques that artists used to create the most exquisite medieval and Renaissance manuscripts in the Morgan's collections. They will delve into the art of Western illumination as a means of exploring early Eurasian and African trade routes. This is a two-part field trip; in their first visit students will explore the galleries and learn the basics behind the creation of illuminated manuscripts. In their second visit, students will gain hands-on experience grinding pigments, mixing paints, and creating their own ornate initial using authentic materials and real gold leaf.

This is the exciting Part 2 of our Colors of the World series! Students will return to the Morgan to utilize their new illuminated manuscript knowledge in a hands-on art project. Students will use authentic materials such as malachite and cochineal to create their own watercolor paints. Using their watercolors and 22k gold leaf, they will then decorate their own ornate initial.

*This experience can take place in our classroom at the museum or in yours! If you prefer our educators to visit you at your school, please email schools@themorgan.org to coordinate the visit.

Students will practice visual literacy by learning to “read” architecture as a primary source. Participants will develop a character portrait of J. Pierpont Morgan by looking at his magnificent Gilded Age library.

Myths and symbols have recognizable yet dynamic meanings. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine how visual arts use symbolism to construct personal and cultural narratives. Together we will discover Mesopotamian myths on the Morgan’s collection of cylinder seals, and explore storytelling imagery in the historic library’s sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. By discussing how individuals and cultures use myths and symbols to protect, adorn, and define themselves, students will develop perspective on their own use of myths and symbols today.

February 23 through June 9, 2024

Creator of unforgettable animal characters like Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, the beloved children’s book author and illustrator Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) rooted her fiction in the natural world. Childhood summers spent in Scotland and the Lake District nourished Potter’s love of nature, while her famous menagerie of pets inspired her picture letters and published tales.

The exhibition brings together artwork, books, manuscripts, and artifacts from several institutions in the United Kingdom, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Trust, and the Armitt Museum and Library. Paired with the Morgan’s exceptional collection of her picture letters, these objects trace how Potter’s innovative blend of scientific observation and imaginative storytelling shaped some of the world’s most popular children’s books.

Experience our iconic illuminated manuscript field trip live on Zoom!

Students will examine selections of the incredible medieval and Renaissance manuscript collection of the Morgan, relate the works to world history, and deepen their understanding of cultural interactions between diverse peoples across time and place.

Experience our iconic architecture and history program live on Zoom!

Students will practice visual literacy by learning to “read” architecture as a primary source. Participants will develop a character portrait of J. Pierpont Morgan by looking at his magnificent Gilded Age library.

Experience our iconic mythology and storytelling field trip live on Zoom! (Previously Before the Book)

Myths and symbols have recognizable yet dynamic meanings. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine how visual arts use symbolism to construct personal and cultural narratives. Together we will discover Mesopotamian myths on the Morgan’s collection of cylinder seals, and explore storytelling imagery in the historic library’s sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. By discussing how individuals and cultures use myths and symbols to protect, adorn, and define themselves, students will develop perspective on their own use of myths and symbols today.

Experience our blockbuster exhibition - resurrected and alive on Zoom!

Students will expand their understanding of Mary Shelley's classic novel by examining Frankenstein’s historical, scientific, literary, feminist, and performative aspects. The Morgan’s first teacher online curriculum provides resources in essays, discussion prompts, and activity suggestions. In addition, there are supplementary reference materials such as high-quality images, a family tree, a bibliography, a vocabulary list, and timelines.