Guided Tours

Group Tours for Adults - Free

Explore the Timken permanent collection or special exhibitions on a guided group visit led by one of our friendly and experienced docents, or on your own with a self-guided option. These tours are 45-60 minutes in length and can be tailored to meet the interests and needs of your group.

Tours are free of charge and can be scheduled Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. or by special appointment (the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

If you would like to schedule a group tour, please email tours@timkenmuseum.org. Please note that guided group tours must be arranged with at least 2 weeks’ notice.

School Group Tours - Free


Timken school tours are inquiry-based conversational experiences engaging students in careful observation, discussion, and interpretation of objects from a variety of time periods. Students will engage in critical thinking by articulating their ideas about what they see and share those insights with classmates. School tours are free, 45 minutes in length and can be tailored to meet the interests and needs of your group.

School tours can be scheduled Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. or by special appointment (the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

If you would like to schedule a group tour, please call 619-239-5548 
or email tours@timkenmuseum.org. Please note that guided school tours must be arranged with at least 4 weeks’ notice and that K-12 classes must provide one chaperone per 10 children.


Audio Tours

Download the Timken app for free on all devices Apple, Android, and also available as a web app. We also have free wifi at the museum. Access the app today at www.timkenmuseum.org/app. Our app highlights the art, artists, and history of the Timken’s art collection.  Enhance your visit with a curated tour of the galleries or customize your experience by selecting what you want to see and hear. 


Book a Speaker

Enjoy learning about art and the Timken’s renowned collection by scheduling a free presentation from our team of trained docents. Presentations for schools or community organizations are tailor-made for each audience and include discussions and PowerPoint visuals.

These presentations inform, delight, and make the public aware of the Putnam collection at the Timken and our exhibition and education programs. Facilitated by our trained docents, the Timken’s speakers coordinate with teachers to ensure that presentations enhance, support, and extend classroom learning.

If you would like to schedule a presentation, email tours@timkenmuseum.org, and krosenberg@timkenmuseum.org  or call 619-239-5548 x109.