Docent Tours

Discover the world of contemporary art, explore Bellingham’s rich history, or refresh your Art Appreciation 101 knowledge with a docent-led tour! Our expert docents are passionate guides who bring art and history to life through engaging, interactive, and informal hour-long tours. It’s the perfect way to deepen your understanding and enhance your visit.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Gallery tours typically last about one hour.
  • No reservation needed—tours are available on a walk-in basis.
  • Art exhibition tours start in the lobby of the Lightcatcher building.
  • Old City Hall tours commence at the front desk of the historic Old City Hall.
  • Payment is taken upon arrival at the front desk.
  • Tours are free for members and included with admission for the public.

Not the Whole Picture
Garth Amundson & Pierre Gour

MAR 22, 2025 – JUL 27, 2025

Docent Tours:

Second and Fourth Thursdays and Saturdays, 1 – 2 pm
See calendar for tour dates
Included with admission/members free

Enjoy a docent-guided tour of Not the Whole Picture and explore the arc of Garth and Pierre’s collaborative and personal partnership.

free First Friday Docent Tours:

free First Fridays, 2 pm & 5 pm
See our free First Friday page for details.
FREE

Enjoy a freeFirst Friday docent-guided tour of Not the Whole Picture and explore the arc of Garth and Pierre’s collaborative and personal partnership.

Curator Tours:

Friday, April 18, May 16, and June 13, 1 – 2 pm
Included with admission/members free

Join Whatcom Museum’s Chief Curator, Amy Chaloupka, for insightful and conversational tours of Not the Whole Picture.

Old City Hall
History Tours

Most Sundays, 1 – 2 pm | See calendar for tour dates
Tours begin at the front desk of Old City Hall
Included with admission/Members free

Join one of our lively and informative tours led by trained docents! You’ll explore Old City Hall as our docents share fascinating details about the building’s architecture and Bellingham’s early history. Discover fun facts, quirky trivia, and intriguing stories about the colorful characters who once worked in or passed through this iconic space.

Guided Docent Tour Schedule

The calendar below displays our active docent-led tours. Old City Hall History Tours are highlighted in red, while Art Exhibition Tours are marked in purple. To see which docent is leading a tour, simply click on the specific tour. Start times and locations are listed above. If you’re having trouble viewing the calendar, try this link instead.

Private Docent-Led Tours:

Explore Old City Hall and the Lightcatcher exhibitions with a private, pre-scheduled tour. Private tours are available for $15 per person for the public and $5 per person for members. To arrange your tour, simply email our docent coordinator.

Virtual Tours:

Explore a wide range of docent and curator-narrated virtual exhibition tours on the Museum’s YouTube channel.

Become a Docent Tour Guide

Are you passionate about art and history, love engaging with the public, and eager to give back to the community? Our docent tour program could be the perfect fit for you! The Whatcom Museum offers periodic training sessions, and we’d love to add you to our waiting list. To express your interest, simply send us an email.

Docent Portal and Resources

Already a member of our docent team? Click here to access resources, sign up for tours, and view the upcoming tour schedule.

The Whatcom Museum acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory of the Lhaq’temish – Lummi People – and the Nuxwsá7aq – Nooksack People – who have lived in the Coast Salish region from time immemorial. The Museum honors our relationship with all of our Coast Salish neighbors and our shared responsibilities to their homeland where we all reside today.