The North Carolina Museum of Art

West Building

West Building is home to the Museum’s stunning permanent collection; Iris, the Museum Restaurant; and the Museum Store.

Great Hall
including the Entrance Gardens

The Museum’s premier facility: entertain in the midst of the Museum’s permanent collection.
Standing: 250 guests
Dinner/Dancing: 150 guests
Available evenings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Available time: 6:30–10:30 p.m.

North Courtyard

Beautifully landscaped sculpture garden with trees and reflecting pool.
Standing: 100 guests
Available evenings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Available time: 6:30–10:30 p.m.

Education Gardens

Open garden space located adjacent to West and East buildings.
Standing: 125 guests
Seated: 75 guests
Available evenings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Available time: 6:30–10:30 p.m.

East Building

East Building is home to the center for special exhibitions, the Museum Auditorium, and the Education facilities.

Main Hall

The former Egyptian Gallery provides a stunning space for large events.
Standing: 275 guests
Seated: 200 guests
Available evenings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Available time: 6:30–10:30 p.m.

Blue Ridge Atrium with Garden Patio

The former Museum restaurant space overlooks rolling hills of the Museum Park. Patio is available separately for preconcert receptions.
Standing: 175 guests
Seated: 130 guests
Available evenings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Available time: 6:30–10:30 p.m.

Director’s Boardroom

Large conference table setup on the Museum’s Office Level with audiovisual capabilities included.
Seated: 20 at conference table
Available daytime: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Available time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Museum Auditorium

Auditorium space available for presentations, seminars, and performances with audiovisual capabilities, large screen, and stage.
Seating capacity: 270 guests
Available time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Education Lobby

Convenient reception area for events hosted in the Auditorium.
Standing: 200 guests
Seated: 125 guests
Available time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Museum amphitheater, Lowe’s Pavilion, and the Museum grounds are also available for rental.

Availability

  • All facilities are available after 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
  • All events must end by 10:30 p.m.
  • Daytime rental is available in the Auditorium and Boardroom.
  • Individual clients must be members of the North Carolina Museum of Art in order to host an evening event.
  • Organizations wishing to rent spaces must become Business Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Art in order to host an evening event.
  • Bridal portraits may be taken by appointment.
  • Access to additional art galleries for viewing may be added to event rental spaces for an additional fee upon request.
  • Space capacity is an approximation and will vary based on event needs.

Date Reservation

  • A date may be held for five days prior to submission of a rental application and $500 deposit. The fee is nonrefundable but applicable to the final bill.
  • After event approval a contract will be issued. The event will be confirmed with a signed contract and paid nonrefundable deposit of 25% of the contract estimate.

Event Guidelines

  • All food and beverage must be provided exclusively by the Museum.
  • Alcohol service is provided through the Museum.
  • Food and beverage are not allowed in galleries.
  • Open flame (including candles and matches), balloons, glitter, confetti, rice, loose petals, sparklers, fountains, and live animals are prohibited.
  • The Museum is a smoke-free facility for indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • The client is liable for any damages or injury to property and guests.
  • All decorations must come from approved vendors and all plans for décor are subject to approval by the Museum.
  • Decorations may not be affixed to Museum walls, floors, or ceilings in any manner.
  • All outside vendors must be approved by the Museum.
  • All event details are subject to approval.
  • Rental fees include tables and chairs, standard security, custodial services, and special event supervision.
  • Rental fees do not include catering, linens, specialty furniture, and tableware unless determined otherwise.
  • The Museum reserves the right to refuse rentals on the basis of availability, safety, or inappropriateness of the proposed event as it pertains to the Museum’s overall mission or standards of quality as determined by Museum representatives.