Gallery Tours FAQ

For guided gallery tours, we request at least 48 hours’ notice and preferably two weeks' notice in advance of your desired visit date, especially if you would like an overview of the exhibitions. The Center makes every effort to accommodate all group visits; however, our capacity is subject to staff availability.

If you do not wish to have a staff introduction to the exhibition(s), you are welcome to bring your group into the gallery for self-guided exploration at any time during regular visiting hours, although it is always helpful to email us to ensure we have a gallery attendant scheduled.

Tours typically range from 30 minutes to 1 hour, although you are welcome to stay longer if desired.

There is no fee to tour the gallery, although donations are always welcome.

Please submit your group visit request using our online form. If you have any questions, please contact Cristie Scott at cmscott@fortlewis.edu or (970) 247-7333.

When your group arrives, Center staff will offer a brief welcome and orientation. The visit typically begins with a short introduction to the Center and the current exhibitions before the group explores the galleries. We will also review guidelines for being in the gallery (such as not touching objects or leaning on cases). Instructors or group leaders are welcome to gather participants beforehand to take attendance or share expectations.

To protect the work on display, all food and drinks (including water), along with backpacks and large personal items, should be stored in our reception room, the first-floor lockers, or the cubbies in the Delaney Research Library. Photography and video without flash are permitted. Only pencils may be used when taking notes in Center spaces; we can provide them if needed.

Your role as a group leader or instructor can vary during a gallery visit, although we find that the most meaningful learning experiences are those in which the leader or instructor is actively and consistently involved throughout the session. One approach is to create a discussion prompt tied to the exhibitions or state a clear objective to ground the experience and connect it to other topics your group is currently exploring. Center staff are happy to meet before your visit to talk through the exhibitions and discuss what might best support your group’s interests.

We are located on the north end of the Fort Lewis College campus. See this map with our building and nearby parking lots circled. The gallery is located on the first floor, straight ahead through the main doors as you enter the building.

Yes, restrooms and water fountains are located on either end of the building’s first floor.

The Center uses the designation “Artist Once Known” instead of “unknown” or “anonymous artist” when a creator’s name is not currently associated with an artwork. This wording acknowledges and honors these individuals, even when historical records do not preserve their names.

During the fall and spring terms (September–April), parking permits for all visitors are enforced Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Parking after 3:30 PM is allowed on campus without a permit.

Visitors to the Center may use the metered parking spaces, purchase a short-term parking permit, or be dropped off and picked up to avoid parking fees.

Parking is free in any campus lot from May through August.

The Center is open year-round but typically closed on the holidays listed below. Please see our website for the most current hours and closures.

• The week observed by the FLC academic calendar for fall break
• Two weeks spanning Christmas and New Year’s
• The week observed by the FLC academic calendar for spring break (typically the third week of March)
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Fourth of July

If you have a visit scheduled during a weather-related campus closure, we will contact you to reschedule as soon as possible.