Rental Events FAQ
How do we check availability or place a hold on a date?
Please contact the Rental Events Team at 415.915.1777 or fill out the online inquiry form (https://www.sfmoma.org/facility-rentals/send-inquiry/).
How long can I place a hold on a date?
We can place a hold for up to three weeks. During this time, another group can challenge your hold by paying a percentage of the rental fee. If another group challenges your hold, we will contact you via phone and email, and you will have 48 business hours to book the date. If you do not book the date, we will release your hold.
How do I challenge a hold?
To challenge a hold, a payment of 50% of the estimated rental fee must be submitted to the Rental Events Department. The payment acts as a deposit for a specific date. Once the payment has been received, the holding party will be contacted, and they will have 48 business hours to either book the space or release their hold.
What is the size of SFMOMA’s smallest rentable space?
The museum’s smallest rentable space is 3,000 square feet and is ideal for groups of 100-200.
Does the museum rent out conference rooms?
No, SFMOMA does not have meeting rooms available for rental.
How do we view the event spaces?
Site visits may be scheduled with the Rental Events Team during museum business hours, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Site visits are by appointment only and require at least 48 hours’ notice. Virtual Tours of each event space are also available on our website: Rental Events · SFMOMA.
Do you host events on Wednesdays when the museum is closed?
Yes, the museum is available for full-day events on Wednesdays, with the option to load in the evening prior, if available.
Can events take place on holidays?
Events taking place on SFMOMA holidays will be charged a 20% premium to cover staffing, based on availability. For a list of administrative holidays, please contact the Rental Events Team.
What fees are due upon booking a space?
When a client commits to booking a space, we require 50% of the rental fee along with the signed contract.
What is included in the rental fee?
The rental fee includes security guards, engineers, janitorial services, and an on-site event manager. Depending on the guest count and space being rented, coat check may or may not be included.
Is gallery access included in the rental fee?
No, galleries may be rented for an additional fee. All rented galleries will close by 10 p.m.
Is SFMOMA available for daytime events?
Daytime events are available on Wednesdays, as the museum is closed to the public that day.
What hours are available for an event?
Events can occur any time after 9 a.m. on Wednesdays. On Friday–Tuesday, event hours are generally between 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Access for set-up and strike may be scheduled outside of these hours through prior arrangement with the Rental Events Team.
What is the latest time an event can run?
Events must conclude at midnight. Special arrangements must be made at least six weeks in advance with the Rental Events Team. For events ending after midnight (and no later than 2 a.m.) there is a $3,000 per hour surcharge.
Is SFMOMA available for events lasting more than one day?
The museum’s facilities are not available for events lasting more than one day.
Is the venue rentable for just one party, or will there be other groups present at the same time?
SFMOMA retains the right to book concurrent events in the museum if there are event spaces that have not been reserved. The museum will make every effort to avoid conflicts when there is more than one group on the premises at the same time.
Is a membership required to host events at the museum?
Yes, a corporate membership or Curator’s Circle membership is required to host events at the museum. The Rental Events Team can provide a list of the many benefits that come with your membership. This requirement is waived for nonprofit organizations.
Does SFMOMA offer discounts for nonprofit organizations?
The museum offers a 10% discount to 501(c)(3) organizations. This does not apply for the months of September, October, and December.
Can SFMOMA be rented for fundraising, political, or religious events, or events for guests under the age of 21?
Fundraising events may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Events that are political, religious, or for guests under the age of 21 are not permitted.
What is the earliest time the caterer or other vendors can access SFMOMA for set-up?
Typically, vendors can access the loading dock and catering kitchen as early as 2 p.m. on the event day. Set-up of the event space may begin after 5:15 p.m., once the museum is closed and all galleries have been cleared of visitors. These time restrictions do not apply on Wednesdays when the museum is closed.
Are food and beverages allowed in the galleries?
No food or beverages are allowed in the galleries.
Can I use my preferred caterer?
You are required to select a caterer from the museum’s approved catering list. Each caterer on the list is familiar with SFMOMA’s facility, policies, and procedures, and carries our required insurance coverage and liquor liability insurance.
Does the museum provide AV and lighting equipment?
The Gina and Stuart Peterson White Box and Phyllis Wattis Theater have AV equipment available. Please contact the Rental Events Team for a list of equipment and pricing.
Does the museum provide AV or lighting support?
There is an on-site engineer who can assist with troubleshooting or simple lighting adjustments. The Wattis Theater and White Box spaces each include two SFMOMA AV technicians as well. Depending on event complexity, additional technicians may be added for a fee.
Can I use my preferred AV vendor?
Yes. However, the Rental Events Team can also provide suggestions for AV vendors that typically work in our space.
Does SFMOMA provide any event supplies?
No, the museum does not provide any event-related supplies.
Are there any restrictions that apply to décor, music, and entertainment?
SFMOMA has a list of restrictions with regards to décor, plant and floral material, music, and entertainment. Please contact the Rental Events Team to request a copy of the list.
Is parking available?
Yes, the SFMOMA Parking Garage is located at 147 Minna Street.
Is valet available?
Please contact our preferred vendor, Soirée Valet.
