2024 School Group Tours
General Information
Ventfort Hall is located in the heart of Lenox, Massachusetts. This Gilded Age “cottage” is 28,000 square feet. Tours can accommodate up to 30 students during a single visit (accommodations for more students available — contact us for details). For class sizes larger than 30, we recommend coming for two separate trips (which can be on the same day). Students will learn about the historical heritage of the area during one of the most developmental periods in the history of the United States. Tours can be personalized based on what is being learned in classes at school. Museum associates are more than happy to adapt the tour based on teacher input. Both the first and second floor are handicapped accessible with a lift available to go to the second floor.
Scheduling
Ventfort Hall is open daily 10am-4pm. Additional hours outside of regular hours for school tours are available upon request. Feel free to bring lunch along with you to enjoy on the back lawn and veranda before or after the tour (lunch provided by the museum can be arranged for an additional fee). Tours are available year-round.
Tours should be scheduled at least one month in advance in order to secure your preferred date. However, depending on the circumstances, we may be able to schedule with less notice. If the museum or school is closed due to weather on the day of your scheduled visit, we will make every effort to reschedule your visit.
Other Ways to Engage Your Students
- Photography and film classes and clubs can test their skills in the house and find interesting areas to photograph.
- Art students are welcome to find an area they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the area as it fits into your curriculum.
- History classes may explore the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall and observe what they may or may not still see on a daily basis in their school or other areas they visit.
- Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era.
Pricing and Reservations
The group rate for students is $7 per student (one free chaperone per 25 students, additional chaperones $15 per chaperone) and includes a guided tour of the first and second floors. Grant information to cover transportation is available upon request. To reserve your group tour or for more information e-mail info@gildedage.org and/or grouptours@gildedage.org, or call (413) 637-3206.
