Go Beyond the Exhibit Labels
Discover the Putnam Museum and Science Center like never before. We are excited to offer private tours designed to give you and your group an unforgettable, behind‑the‑scenes experience. Whether you’re planning a group or family outing, corporate retreat, or a special gathering with friends, our private tours provide a more intimate way to explore our galleries, exhibits, and collections.
We offer multiple tour formats to match different interests, group sizes, and timeframes. Please review the full list of options below to find the experience that best fits your needs. Our team is happy to help you select or tailor a tour that makes your visit exceptional.
Private Tour Options
Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Putnam Collection
Experience the Putnam like never before with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Venture into the rarely seen rooms where over 250,000 artifacts live when they’re not on display. Get an exclusive peek behind the locked doors! Led by our expert Curatorial team, your group will journey through five extraordinary storerooms, each packed with treasures, surprises, and stories waiting to be uncovered. This is your chance to stand inches away from remarkable, seldom-seen objects and learn about them from the people who know the collection best.
Because these spaces are not public and densely packed with history, we keep the experience exclusive: groups are limited to 8 guests led by two curators, ensuring an up-close, immersive, and carefully guided hour-long adventure. Please note that narrow aisles and some stairs mean this tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or provide seating. Guests should be prepared to walk and stand for the full duration of the tour. Additionally, the vast historical scope of our collection means you may encounter artifacts that reflect challenging or offensive ideas from the past.
To protect these irreplaceable items, touching is not allowed unless a curator gives explicit permission. Any guest who cannot follow this rule may be asked to leave the tour.
The behind-the-scenes tours are offered to guests ages 14 and up.
The cost of this exclusive experience is $200, plus a discounted group admission rate of $10 per guest.
Get ready for an unforgettable deep dive into the heart of the museum’s collection!
Exhibit Tours with the Putnam Museum Curators
Learn firsthand from our Curators at the Putnam Museum and Science Center! Join our curators for an exclusive 30-minute, insider-guided exploration of one of our permanent exhibits on a tour designed to be personal, enriching, and unforgettable. Discover the stories behind the displays, dive deeper into the science and history they reveal, and hear fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes straight from the experts who brought them to life.
All permanent exhibits are wheelchair accessible, and most feature seating options throughout. If your group needs specific accommodation, just let us know. Our team is happy to recommend the exhibit that best suits your needs.
Perfect for groups of up to 12 guests, this experience is ideal for teens and adults who love to learn, explore, and be inspired.
The permanent exhibits that are available for curator led tours include*:
- Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories
- Quad City Innovators
- Hall of Mammals
- Black Earth | Big River
- Unearthing Ancient Egypt
The cost is $100 for the guided tour, plus a discounted group admission rate of $10 per guest.
Get ready for a deeper, more immersive museum adventure!
Docent-Led Tours of the Exhibits
Coming Soon!
The Putnam Museum and Science Center is recruiting docents to offer tours at lower or no extra cost for guests of all ages! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a docent at the Putnam, please visit this page.
Looking For Something More Hands-On or For Kids?
Check out our educational activities and offerings here!
