School Tours General Information

The George C. Page Museum is located at the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits in the heart of Los Angeles. Rancho La Brea is one of the world’s most famous fossil localities, recognized for having the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world. Visitors can learn about Los Angeles as it was between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, when animals such as saber-toothed cats and mammoths roamed the Los Angeles Basin. Through windows at the Page Museum Laboratory, visitors can watch bones being cleaned and repaired. Outside the Museum, in Hancock Park, life-size replicas of several extinct mammals are featured.

Who can visit for a school visit?

School classes of all grades are welcome to visit the museum. Guided visits, however, are only available to 3rd grade classes and above. K-2nd grade classes must visit during self-guided dates/times. (Please keep these guidelines in mind when scheduling a visit online).

How do we schedule a visit?

Reservations are required and must be made through your District Representative. LAUSD schools must book through the district School Journeys office at (323) 342-1342. Only schools without District Transportation Coordinators should contact the museum directly to schedule a reservation.

How long is the visit?

Approximately one hour.

When can we visit?

Guided School Visits
Docent led visits are available only for 3rd grade classes and above from October 10th through June 6, 2008.  Guided tours are not offered during holiday breaks: Veteran's Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving Holiday (Nov 22-23), Winter Break (Dec 22 - Jan 8), and Spring Break (Mar 17-21).

Guided School visits are offered Wednesday and Thursday mornings, every half-hour between 9:30-11:00am, and until 10:30am on Fridays.

Self-guided Visits
Self-guided visits are available to all grade levels all day Mondays and Tuesdays, and after 12 noon Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and during the holiday breaks listed above, and on Monday-Friday after June 6th, 2008. K-2nd grade classes must visit on these self-guided days, as guided visits are only available for 3rd grade and above.

Do all students enter the museum together?

We ask that teachers divide their students into groups of 20 for guided tours. Groups on self-guided visits will enter the museum together.

What is the cost?

Students, teachers and chaperones on school visits are admitted free. We require that your school group have at least one adult per every ten students. Special Education and Special Needs aides assigned to students will also receive free admission.

Do we need a confirmation number?

We do not issue confirmation numbers. Instead, you will receive either a telephone call or a fax stating the date, time and type of school visits we have booked for your school. About three weeks prior to your visit, we will send a confirmation packet containing an admission ticket to bring with you when you visit, a map, and information about our exhibits.

What time shall we arrive for our school visit?

Please be prompt and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in. Due to spatial restraints, we cannot allow school groups to enter the Museum early, however, you may visit the tar pits in Hancock Park before your tour. You are welcome to visit the gift shop after your visit.

Is there parking?

There is free bus parking on Curson Avenue. Private vehicles parking in the lot on Tuesdays-Fridays pay $8 upon entering, and receive $2 back with validation upon exiting. Private vehicles parking on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays pay a flat rate of $6.

Can we see the tar pits?

The tar pits are located in Hancock Park, immediately next to the Museum, and have labels which can be used for self-guided visits.

May we eat lunch in Hancock Park?

You are welcome to bring your own lunches and eat in the Park. You are responsible for removing all food and beverage containers and disposing of all trash back at your school site.

If you would like to schedule a school visit, please go to our School Visits Reservations Page. Thank You.