What is a Docent?

Docents are volunteer educators trained to facilitate tours and programs for Cincinnati Art Museum visitors. They share their knowledge of the Art Museum and its collection with a broad range of audiences, both in the Art Museum and in the community, to encourage a life-long love of the visual arts. All who are interested in bringing people and art together are encouraged to apply. For the next docent candidate class, we are interested in addressing particular needs in the Docent Corps such as those who are available to volunteer during spring and summer months, those who are willing to lead outreach programs in local schools and community centers, or bring new perspectives and experiences that would strengthen our ability to serve our visitors.

No previous knowledge of art or art history is required to become a docent. Docent candidates, individuals preparing to become docents, participate in a year-long training course that focuses on strategies for touring various audiences through the Art Museum’s collection as well as general art history. Following successful completion of the course, candidates graduate to docent status.

Current Docents

Docent Corps Login

The Docent Corps began in 1960 with twenty-eight docents as a joint effort between the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Junior League of Cincinnati and in cooperation with Cincinnati Public Schools. Since 1975, the Docent Corps has been under the guidance of the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Education Division. Join the over 100 active docents who make up the Docent Corps today.

How Can I Learn More?

If you would like to receive more information about the docent program, please contact the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Assistant Director for Docent Learning at (513) 639-2997 or email docent.program@cincyart.org

The museum will conduct its next docent class in the autumn of 2026, with graduation in September 2027. Recruitment for this class will begin in the spring of 2026. Please check back here and on the museum’s social media for updates.