Facility rentals
Host your event at the Smart
Named to the Knot’s list of 10 best museums for a wedding, the Smart Museum is a unique and affordable place for your special event. Featuring large-scale art and sculptures, the Smart’s striking Ratner Reception Gallery and outdoor Elden Sculpture Garden provide crisp, contemporary spaces that are suitable for a wide variety of events—including wedding receptions, intimate dinners, University events, and music recitals.
During your event, you and your guests will have a private opportunity to explore the Museum’s galleries. Tours of our special exhibitions and permanent collection are available as well.
Availability
The Smart Museum’s reception gallery and sculpture garden are available for receptions after Museum hours, on weekday and weekend evenings. To ensure that you will be able to enjoy your special event at the Smart, we recommend making reservations well in advance.
Facilities
From intimate cocktail gatherings to elegant dinners, the Smart Museum can accommodate the following:
- Seated dinners for up to 80 people
- Buffet receptions for up to 175 people
- Cocktail receptions for up to 275 people
- Seated lectures and performances for up to 75 people
- Fully tented courtyard dinners for up to 220 people
Please note: University of Chicago policy does not permit the use of the space for political meetings or events, fundraising, merchandising activity of any kind, or religious meetings and ceremonies.
Catering
For recommended caterers, please consult the Museum’s list of preferred vendors.
Contact
To learn more about event options, pricing, and availability, e-mail Sarah Polachek or call 773.612.1536.
Top: Photo by Lloyd De Grane.
Feast | Opens February 16
Discover the radical history of the shared meal as an artistic medium.
Family Days
On the first Saturday of every month, drop by the Smart and join in the free creative family activities!
