The Docent Program is a volunteer teaching service organized by the Department of Public and Academic Engagement. Docents interact with visitors and create lasting memories through tours of the finest artistic and cultural traditions represented in our collection. They act as an important liaison between the museum collections, visitors, and staff.

Each year, docents lead more than 15,000 visitors through the museum for tours that highlight the permanent collection and special exhibitions, as well as on customized tours designed for adult and school groups. Docents are active members of the museum and are offered free parking and coffee, and discounts in our café and store. These dedicated volunteers have been an integral part of the Department of Public and Academic Engagement since 2000.

Training involves working with Public and Academic Engagement staff on interactive teaching techniques and attending lectures by museum curators focusing on aspects of the permanent collection galleries and overviews of special exhibitions.

Currently, the museum is not accepting new docents. Please fill out the Docent Interest Form below to be notified once docent training resumes. 

For information about other volunteer opportunities at the CMA, email volunteer [at] clevelandart.org.