Volunteering

DOCENTS are our teacher-guides, giving high-quality, interactive tours to children and adults, using both artifacts on exhibit and our special hands-on collection.


Being a Docent provides a unique opportunity to work up close with our collections and make the Museum come alive for our visitors. It's a great way to develop skills in public speaking, teaching, and research. And you'll enjoy working in one of Canada's most distinctive cultural institutions with a diverse volunteer team.

image of volunteer party



Docent training for Fall 2011 is now CLOSED!

We ask for:

  • The ability to attend one training session a week for five weeks on Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 beginning September 27, 2011; OR
    the ability to attend a total of five training sessions on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, beginning Monday, September 26, 2011
  • Availability at least one half-day during the week (Monday to Friday)
  • Fluency in English and excellent communication skills
  • Energy and enthusiasm!

Experience teaching children, previous art gallery or museum experience, or an interest in history/fashion is helpful.

We reward our volunteers with Volunteer Appreciation events, Service Awards, a gift shop discount, complimentary admission to many Toronto museums and attractions, tickets to selected lectures and events, and a complimentary subscription to our newsletter, Footnotes.

Call Sheila Knox, Head of Education, at 416.979.7799 x228 for details or to arrange a placement interview.