General Information

What is included in the Special Event Rental Fee?
The rental fee includes the use of the contracted space at the Harvard Art Museums for up to seven hours including set up, on-site day of event coordination, event security staffing, standard custodial services, basic setup and teardown of event.

Can I bring in my own caterer?
The Harvard Art Museums have an in-house caterer, The Catered Affair, which must provide all food and beverage for all events.

Can alcohol be served at the museums?
Yes; our in-house caterer, The Catered Affair, can provide alcohol service. Red wine can only be served table-side in the Harvard Art Museums.

When can my event start?
In general, private events may begin at 6:30pm.

How late can my event end?
All special events must end at 12am (midnight). Alcohol services and entertainment must end by 11:30pm.

Does it cost extra to have the museums’ galleries open during my event?
The Level 1 galleries are an additional $1,500 for the first hour of your event.

Can I have also have my wedding ceremony at the Harvard Art Museums?
Yes, if your reception is in the Calderwood Courtyard we have options for weddings with smaller guest counts to have the ceremony at the museums. Restrictions do apply.

Where can my guests park?
There is no parking at the Harvard Art Museums. There is ample street parking and garage parking in nearby Harvard Square. Dedicated parking at the Broadway Garage (just one block from the museums) can be arranged through the Harvard Transportation Office.

Can I take pictures in the museums?
Photography is allowed in the museums during private events. However, flash photography in or near the galleries is not permitted. Photography permits must be signed in advance of taking pictures.

Can I have a band/DJ at my event?
Yes; small bands of no more than five members may be allowed to play. The Harvard Art Museums reserve the right to limit the noise and sound levels of an event in order to maintain effective security communications and for the protection of the artwork.

Can I bring in other outside vendors such as florists, lighting designers, etc.?
Yes. We have a list of preferred vendors that have worked at the Harvard Art Museums, and we will provide that list for your reference. You are permitted to hire vendors not on our list as long as they are able to supply the required insurance details.

Are candles allowed?
Candles, including votive and hurricane-style candles, sparklers, and open flames are not permitted inside any Harvard Art Museums building.

To inquire about renting our beautiful venues please complete a Special Event Request Form, email am_rentals@harvard.edu, or call our Facility Program Rental Manager at 617-495-1275.