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Rienzi

Support & Volunteer

Would you enjoy engaging with small groups in conversations about art? Are you interested in giving back to the community? Are you positive and open-minded, with a passion for life-long learning? Consider becoming a docent at Rienzi!
 
Volunteer docents play an important role at Rienzi as they guide visitors through the house and introduce them to the collection. Conversations bring the art, architecture, and history of the house museum to life, as docents share insights about the European art treasures. In addition to giving tours, docents support public programming at Rienzi. 
 
The docent program was established in 1999, the year Rienzi opened to the public. Rienzi seeks to build and maintain a volunteer corps that reflects the rich diversity of the community, and as such, participants have a broad range of backgrounds and experience. 

What do I need to know about the docent program? 

  • No prior art history knowledge is required. Docents learn about 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century European art in the context of the Rienzi Collection.
  • Docents make a minimum two-year commitment.
  • The initial training program lasts seven months. Classes are offered on Tuesday evenings.
  • Docents give two tours a month and have the option of staffing programs.
  • Docents must be able to tour for 60 minutes without a break.
  • Individuals must be at least 21 years old to apply.
  • Entrance to the program is competitive and involves an application and interview process.

What are the rewards of becoming a docent?

  • Connecting with the MFAH on a deeper level while sharing your enthusiasm for education and art
  • Enjoying personal growth as you learn new skills and knowledge
  • Making new friends among fellow volunteers and staff
  • Giving back to the community
  • Inspiring a love of learning and cultural understanding in visitors of all ages

Interested in becoming a Rienzi docent?

The next Rienzi Docent Training Class begins September 2027. Classes meet at Rienzi on Tuesday evenings through April 2028. Applications available in early summer 2027.  
 
For more information, email [email protected] or call the education office at 713-353-1565.