Explore some of the finest examples of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts in the Morgan’s collection, identify the different parts of a manuscript, and consider how books were made before the printing press. Through primary sources, maps, and touch objects, students discuss the Silk Road and other trade routes, and trace the origins of natural resources, such as saffron, malachite, and lapis lazuli, that were used to make pigments and paints for illuminated manuscripts.

In this hands-on workshop students learn some of the medieval and Renaissance bookmaking techniques covered in Colors of the World, Part I. Using traditional tools, students grind natural materials to make pigments, mix watercolor paints, learn how to apply 22-karat gold leaf, and
create an original painted initial inspired by the Morgan’s manuscript collection.

This unique, fun, and experiential program invites students to understand and appreciate the steps and skills required to make illuminated manuscripts, and better understand why they are collected and cared for in institutions such as the Morgan.

Colors of the World, Part II must be booked in combination with Colors of the World, Part I. Limited slots for offsite Colors II programs are available by request, where educators travel to schools to conduct the program in the classroom.

Through objects and architecture, students travel back to the Gilded Age in New York City during the time of J. Pierpont Morgan. Groups explore highlights of the Morgan Library & Museum’s buildings and collections, and consider what we can learn from primary sources about people, places, and time periods. Discussions include themes such as collecting, architectural styles, design, and libraries.

Throughout history, myths and symbols have been used to construct and convey personal and cultural narratives. Explore a range of objects created over time in a variety of cultures, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern and contemporary art, and uncover the meaning of symbols used in sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, decorative arts, and architecture.

Through close looking, discussion, and activities, students will consider how individuals and cultures use myths and symbols to protect, adorn, and define themselves, and consider their own use of myths and symbols today.

Discover the Morgan’s wild side! Campers will explore our historic library, scenic garden, and temporary exhibitions while spotting mysterious and exciting depictions of animals within our collection. Through hands-on activities and facilitated discussion with our museum educators, campers will experience the Morgan Library through a new lens as museum adventurers. Garden access is subject to weather.

Experience our iconic illuminated manuscript field trip live on Zoom!

Students will examine selections of the incredible medieval and Renaissance manuscript collection of the Morgan, relate the works to world history, and deepen their understanding of cultural interactions between diverse peoples across time and place.

Experience our iconic architecture and history program live on Zoom!

Students will practice visual literacy by learning to “read” architecture as a primary source. Participants will develop a character portrait of J. Pierpont Morgan by looking at his magnificent Gilded Age library.

Experience our iconic mythology and storytelling field trip live on Zoom! (Previously Before the Book)

Myths and symbols have recognizable yet dynamic meanings. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine how visual arts use symbolism to construct personal and cultural narratives. Together we will discover Mesopotamian myths on the Morgan’s collection of cylinder seals, and explore storytelling imagery in the historic library’s sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. By discussing how individuals and cultures use myths and symbols to protect, adorn, and define themselves, students will develop perspective on their own use of myths and symbols today.

Experience our blockbuster exhibition - resurrected and alive on Zoom!

Students will expand their understanding of Mary Shelley's classic novel by examining Frankenstein’s historical, scientific, literary, feminist, and performative aspects. The Morgan’s first teacher online curriculum provides resources in essays, discussion prompts, and activity suggestions. In addition, there are supplementary reference materials such as high-quality images, a family tree, a bibliography, a vocabulary list, and timelines.

A select number of slots are available for our educators to come to your classroom to complete the Colors 2 workshop!

You must have completed Colors of the World: Part 1 before scheduling your Colors 2 program. Please note that this is reserved for schools who are unable to travel to the Morgan for a second field trip.