A docent is a person who serves as a guide or educator, typically in a museum, historical site, art gallery, or cultural institution. Their primary role is to provide visitors with information and context about exhibits, artifacts, or the location’s history. Docents often lead tours, answer questions, and help enhance the visitor experience by offering insights that make the exhibits more engaging and understandable.
In many cases, docents are volunteers, though some institutions may have paid positions. They typically receive training from the institution to ensure they are knowledgeable about the exhibits and the best ways to communicate with the public.