Host an Event - About - Smart Museum of Art

About

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 60 people
Buffet receptions for up to 150 people
Cocktail receptions for up to 200 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 Kate Kelly or call 773.612.1536.

Smart Museum of Art University of Chicago