Tours and programs

Public tours begin in the Lancaster Welcome Center. Guided Tours These docent-led Highlights tours explore significant art, artists, and cultures presented throughout WAM's galleries. Tours are held every Sunday at 1pm.

Zip Zooms & Zip Tours Join us for our docent-led art discussions on selected works in the collection. These 30minute spotlights include time for audience comments and questions. Virtual Zip Zooms are on the following Wednesdays at 12:30pm: October 20; November 3 and 17; December 1, 15, and 29. Free; advance registration required. Visit our online calendar at worcesterart.org for details and links to programs. Onsite Zip Tours are on the following Saturdays at 12:30pm: October 23; November 6 and 20; December 4 and 18; January 2. Free with Museum admission. Tours of the Month Stop by on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 2pm for an in-depth look at various themes found in the Museum’s collection in these docent-led tours.

November 6 and 20

Enjoy a Diwali-inspired tour that captures

Indian and East Asian themes throughout the galleries.

December 4 and 18

This tour focuses on works of art that feature gatherings, as you prepare to celebrate fall and winter holidays with friends and family. Group Tours To schedule an onsite adult or youth/student group tour, contact KaylaPeterson@worcesterart.org. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. Please check WAM’s website for up-to-date information. Programs for all ages

Arms + Armor Presentations Join us on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month (except Christmas Day) at 11:30am and 2pm. Discover different kinds of arms and armor used by Roman soldiers, medieval knights, and many others in this fun, interactive program. Events held onsite in the Museum Conference Room and virtually through WAM’s Facebook Live page. Art Carts: Family Fun in the Galleries Think visiting a museum is just walking around and looking at stuff? Think again! With the assistance of knowledgeable staff, Art Carts offer engaging activities on different themes. Check our online calendar for dates and times.

Community events

Día de los Muertos Saturday, October 30, 10am to 4pm Celebrate Day of the Dead with community partners across the city! A central part of this Mexican tradition is an ofrenda, or offering, where people welcome and give gifts to spirits of deceased loved ones. Along with a refresh of our Arts of the Ancient Americas gallery, WAM hosts a community ofrenda—on view through November 14—as well as activities and tours. Look for additional events by partners at JMAC, City Hall, and Main IDEA as part of this important cultural tradition. Free.

Diwali Sunday, November 7, 10am to 4pm Honor the traditional fall Hindu "Festival of Lights" with the India Society of Worcester on WAM’s Free First Sunday! Enjoy an exciting day of Indian dance, music, food, and artmaking. Free.

Deck the Halls! November 26 – January 9 WAM gets merry and bright for the holidays with artfully decorated trees inspired by the Museum's special exhibition, Love Stories from the National Portrait Gallery, London, and the 1965 classic movie, Doctor Zhivago. Stroll through the galleries and view the decorations created by Sally Jablonski of Herbert E. Berg Florist, Inc. Also on view during the holidays is Dwight Sturtevant’s interactive train layout of The New Middleton & Stony Point RR. Surrounded by artwork showcasing Worcester’s legacy of trains, this U-shaped display —with double main line and modular design—features working streetlights and crossing signals with bell sound effects. A fun way to celebrate the winter season! Hanukkah at WAM Sunday, December 5, 10am to 4pm Join us for a day-long program celebrating Hanukkah with activities for all ages. Enjoy Klezmer music, live cooking demonstrations of latke making, story times in collaboration with PJ Library, art activities, and discussions about the traditions and history of Hanukkah. In partnership with the Worcester JCC and the Jewish Federation of Central MA. Free.

Performances and events

Sundays at 2pm

December 12: Merrimack Valley

Ringers

December 19: Duets by Arianna Falk (cello) and Peter Sulski (viola), plus students from Worcester’s Neighborhood Strings program

December 26: John McDonough’s

Pumpernickel Puppets Musical

Variety Show! Ice Carving by Chip Koser of South Cape Ice Sculptures Saturday, January 8, beginning at 11:30am Outside on Lancaster Plaza Screening of Doctor Zhivago Sunday, January 9, 1 to 4:30 pm Higgins Education Wing, Second Floor Conference Room

Flora in Winter

March 3 – 6, 2022 The region’s premier floral design event includes captivating and imaginative interpretations of artworks on view in the Museum. The muse for this year's Flora programming is our Love Stories from the National Portrait Gallery, London exhibition. Enjoy an exciting array of festivities and programs throughout the four days including tours, demonstrations, lectures, workshops, and music. Visit worcesterart.org for updates on tickets and event schedule.