The Museum is pleased to accommodate private events on a limited basis to individuals, groups, businesses, and members of the community. The safety of the collection and buildings are the Museum’s primary concerns, and renters must be mindful that the Museum is filled with fragile and irreplaceable artworks. All rules and regulations found within this agreement are strictly enforced.
How do I book my event?
For more information, please call (207) 775-6148, ext. 3259 or send an email to facilityrentals@portlandmuseum.org. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to your inquiry.
What types of events may be held at the Museum?
The Museum is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and limits the use of its facilities in view of its own needs and the appropriateness of the event in the Museum setting. The Museum may not be rented for press conferences, public political programs or forums, proms or other school dances, or exhibitions of art for the purpose of promoting an artist. Additional restrictions apply; please contact the Events Coordinator for more information.
Are there any restrictions on Museum events?
Due to climate control, safety, and staining concerns, the Museum prohibits the following in the Museum and on the Museum’s grounds: red wine, red beverages (such as punch and cranberry juice), beets, raw red meat (such as steak tartar), red grapes and berries, open flames, potted plants, ice sculptures, balloons, bubbles, confetti, dry rice, flower petals, glitter. In accordance with state law, smoking is prohibited on Museum property.
Will my guests have access to the exhibition galleries?
There is a fee for each exhibition gallery, however, viewing may be limited based on exhibition restrictions.
Does the Museum require event insurance?
At least 30 days prior to an event, the Client will provide the Museum with an original Certificate of Liability Insurance for the event, naming the Portland Museum of Art as certificate holder. The certificate will be in the minimum amounts of $300,000 for injury and $500,000 per occurrence. You may also obtain this certificate through your homeowner's or renter's insurance agent or purchase separate event insurance through a provider such as WedSafe.
What will the Museum Events Coordinator do at my event?
The Events Coordinator is your contact and will handle and implement the logisitics of your event.
Can I have a band or a DJ at my event? Is dancing allowed?
Dancing, DJs, and live acoustic music are restricted to events in the Great Hall and Auditorium. The Museum does not permit “do-it-yourself” music at events (i.e. iPods, stereos, portable speakers) unless all of the equipment is approved of by Event Coordinator. The Events Coordinator reserves the right of final approval of the Client’s entertainment selection. The Events Coordinator will determine an appropriate volume level for the event and volume is not to exceed that level.
Will the Museum provide tables and chairs for my event?
A limited number of eight-foot rectangular banquet tables and various types of chairs are available free of charge for your event. Audiovisual equipment is available for rental. Please see sample Portland Museum of Art Facility Rental Terms of Agreement for details.
Can I decorate the Museum for my event?
All decorations, including flowers, must be on tabletops or freestanding and will be limited to designated areas within the Museum. Signage and decorative items may not be affixed to any wall. The Museum reserves the right to reposition any furniture or objects related to an event if they are deemed to present a potential danger to a work of art.
Where should my guests park and where should they enter the Museum?
There are several public parking facilities within walking distance of the Museum. Guests enter the Museum through the main entrance at Seven Congress Square.