What information do I need to know about my group in order to make a field trip reservation?

Before you make a field trip reservation, be sure that you know the following information:

• At least three dates that your group would be available to visit
• Estimated number of students
• Estimated number of staff
• Estimated number of non-staff chaperones
• What time your group would arrive at/depart from the museum

How far in advance should I contact you to make a reservation?

We recommend that you call or email as far in advance as you are able. The earlier you can contact us, the higher the likelihood the date you want will be available.

It can also be helpful to consider how demand will affect our availability. Our busiest months are October, November, March, and April. Fridays are by far the most requested dates for a field trip. These high volume periods are often the first to become fully booked, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.

What are the lunch options for my group?

Your group can bring their own lunches. If your group would like to stay for lunch, we have three outdoor picnic areas available to groups. We can also provide indoor lunch seating. Be sure to ask about the availability of this space when you schedule your visit. 

How does payment work?

Our staff will provide you with a quote and an invoice for your field trip when you make your reservation. Your fee is based on the number of participants registered in advance. You will have up until three business days before your visit to alter your guest count, keeping in mind minimum and maximum requirements. After that time, you will be responsible for paying for the number of guests in your reservation. There is no refund for registered participants that do not attend. Payment is due in full upon check-in at the museum.  Advance payment is preferred.  Payments include: credit card (preferred), cash, or checks made payable to The Schiele Museum. NC sales tax is collected for some experiences. 

• Please do not try to calculate the payment on your own if you have any changes in your group numbers. 
• Payment for the parent/non-staff chaperones who will accompany your group should be collected in advance so that you can submit one payment to cover all guests associated with your group.

How many chaperones should I bring?

The Schiele Museum does not require a specific adult-to-student ratio for visiting groups as most school systems and organizations have their own guidelines. In general, most groups have at least 1 adult for every 10 students. Teachers and other adult chaperones are expected to stay with their group and monitor student behavior at all times.

Do you have specific bus parking?

Yes, we have designated bus parking in our overflow parking lot. Your drivers can unload the students at our front entrance and then proceed to the overflow lot down the street (right turn out of the main parking lot). Your drivers can drive back around to the front entrance to pick up the students at your designated departure time. Please make sure your buses do not go in the staff parking lot. There is no through drive and they will not be able to turn around.

What is your cancellation policy?

If your group needs to cancel a scheduled visit, please contact us at least 14 days in advance by emailing Stephanie.Austin@GastoniaNC.gov.

What if the weather is bad on the day of our visit?

The Schiele Museum can meet your needs rain or shine! In the event that severe weather causes your school to be closed or delayed, we can help you reschedule your visit for another date.

Is the Schiele Museum wheelchair accessible?

All indoor areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible. There are ramps leading to all galleries and an elevator to take you to the Green Roof. 

The Nature Trail is a gravel and dirt trail with hills and uneven terrain. It may be difficult to navigate for some individuals with mobility challenges. The adults in your group can make the decision about whether to include the Nature Trail in your itinerary . If you have a student or adult in a wheelchair or with other special needs, please let us know when you schedule your visit. We always do our best to accommodate all visitors.