In the Moment

Awakening connections to personal experiences through art: tours for people living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Since 2008, Carnegie Museum of Art’s award-winning In the Moment tours have thoughtfully served thousands of residents and care partners from memory care and day facilities. Participants from all walks of life have looked, laughed, and shared life experiences in our galleries through making connections with works of art and each other in a social and inviting atmosphere.

This carefully designed tour invites participants to look closely, think deeply, and respond verbally or with non-verbal gestures. Each participant is referred to by name and each response, no matter the level, is respectfully validated. Sharing and conversation are encouraged. Socialization and a sense of belonging are supported. Care partners are often surprised by the high-level of participant response:

  • “I had a resident talk. I had not heard him in over a year. It was touching.”

  • “It was incredibly engaging … The docent asked questions that were appropriate for every level of functioning which allowed all of our residents to feel included.”

  • “I can’t believe she is talking! She woke up agitated and aggressive this morning and now she is calm and responsive.”

We are committed to transforming how people live with dementia through innovative programming like In the Moment and continually improving the experience for all. Alzheimer’s and dementia are ever-changing landscapes, and we are dedicated to supporting the ever-changing needs of participants and their care partners who so thoughtfully support them.

Book a Tour →

People in wheelchairs looking at a person explaining art.

Tour Details

Group Size

Tours can accommodate up to seven participants, plus care partners. Larger groups will be asked to divide into smaller groups before the visit.

Cost

$75 per group up to seven participants; no cost for care-partners; scholarships are available for facilities with need.

Duration

Tours are designed as 90-minute experiences to allow for ample time to engage participants and move from one work of art to another. However, tours can be shortened to accommodate your schedule.

Days and Times

Weekday afternoon visits are encouraged during the school year (September through May). Morning and weekend visits are possible, space permitting. Earliest tour time begins at 10:15 a.m. Latest tour time begins at 3:30 p.m.

Parking

Groups may unload and check in at the Courtyard Entrance located at the back entrance of the museum. From there, the group will go directly to the galleries via elevators. Larger busses will be directed to parking. Vans may park on-site.

 

 

Amenities

  • Seating is provided at each work of art for participants who are mobile to assist with focus and fatigue and lessen feelings of agitation and desire to wander. Seated movement inspired by works of art can be added to your tour experience upon request.
  • Amplification headsets are available with advanced notice.
  • A limited number of wheelchairs are available onsite with advanced notice. Care partners are required to push participants in wheelchairs.
  • Take-home reproductions of works of art discussed are provided to each participant. Each facility also receives copies to display on bulletin boards or use in follow-up conversations.

Care Partners

Care partners are important to you and to us! We encourage care partners to support participant response and continue discussions after the tour. Facilities are expected to provide as many care partners as needed for the safety and guidance of residents or members of day programs. Care partners must always stay with the group and be attentive to the needs of the participants during the tour. The museum does not provide care partner staffing.

Questions

Questions are encouraged! Please contact our Education and Public Programs team.

Schedule a Tour

Tours should be scheduled at least three weeks in advance to allow time for specific accommodations.

Complete the Group Visits Request Form or call the Group Visits Coordinator at +1 412.622.3289. You will receive confirmation and payment information by email. Final attendance numbers and payment are due one week in advance of your scheduled visit.

Book a Tour →