Visiting Museums

Warm-up: At the ticket desk

2 warm-up questions

• When was the last time you visited a museum? What kind was it?
• First try: I'm at the museum ticket desk. Buy a ticket and find out what's worth seeing — 30 seconds, go.

Reading: At the Art Museum

Read a 156-word text about At the Art Museum

At the Art Museum Sarah arrives at a famous art museum in the city center. Sarah: Hello, I'd like to buy a ticket, please. Staff: Of course. We have different options. A standard ticket is 15 euros, or you can get the guided tour for 25 euros. Sarah: What does the guided tour include? Staff: You'll have an expert guide who explains the main artworks. It lasts about 90 minutes and covers all the major exhibits. Sarah: That sounds interesting. When does the next tour start? Staff: The next English tour starts in 20 minutes at 2 PM. Sarah: Perfect, I'll take the guided tour then. Staff: Here's your ticket and an audio guide if you want to explore more on your own afterward. Photography is allowed, but please don't use flash. Sarah: Thank you. Where should I go for the tour? Staff: Meet at the entrance to the Renaissance gallery. It's on the second floor.

Vocabulary: Museum Words

6 items

Practice: Museum Sentences

Gap-fill exercise, 5 items

• The museum has a fascinating ____ about ancient Egypt.
• I'd recommend the ____ tour for first-time visitors.
• What's the ____ fee for students?
• The impressionist ____ is on the third floor.
• You can borrow an ____ at the front desk.

Practice: Match Museum Phrases

Matching exercise, 5 items

• What are your opening hours?
• Is photography allowed?
• Do you have guided tours?
• Is there a student discount?
• Where's the gift shop?

Dialogue: Visit a Museum

Role-play: You're visiting a history museum (7 lines)

• You: Hello, I'd like to buy two tickets, please.
• Staff: That's 30 euros. Would you like an audioguide?
• You: Yes, please. Is it available in Spanish?
• Staff: Yes, we have it in 10 languages including Spanish.
• You: Great. Is there a special exhibit right now?
• Staff: Yes, there's a special exhibit on Roman history on the ground floor.
• You: That sounds interesting. How long does it take to see everything?

Discussion: Your mission: tickets and a plan

3 discussion questions

• Mission: you're at the ticket desk of a famous museum with a friend. Buy two tickets, ask about the guided tour or audioguide, and ask about discounts for your group. (Success = tickets bought, one tour question, one discount question — all polite. Tutor: play the staff member.)
• Second take: the museum is closing in 30 minutes. Ask which exhibits you should see — and plan the fastest route.
• Compare this with your first try at the start of the lesson. Which question got you the most useful information — and do you prefer guided tours or exploring on your own? Why?