Host Your Event at the Museum of Fine Arts

• Rental Spaces

  

  CONSERVATORY AND TERRACE

  The two-story glass Conservatory overlooks the bay, captivating guests with its spectacular view. Recently installed, artist Christian Sampson’s Tempus volat, hora fugit is now displayed beautifully in the MFA Conservatory. Sampson’s four-part installation series translates from Latin to “time flies, hours flee.” This immersive artwork addresses the passage of time and the magnitude of our natural world through the seemingly simple means of light and color. Adjoined to the Conservatory is the terrace, which sits across from the bay, bringing guests an authentic Florida experience.

  Conservatory Accommodations:

  • 6,180 square ft.
  • Standing Reception: 500 guests
  • Banquet Seating: 260 guests (with a dance floor)
  • Banquet Seating: 300 guests (without a dance floor)

  

  MARLY ROOM

  The Marly Room is an elegant ballroom in the heart of the Museum of Fine Arts. The ceilings are 22 feet-high and have 4 crystal chandeliers flanking each corner of the room. A wooden floor provides space for dancing and mingling. Adjoined to the left and right of the Marly Room are the Membership Garden and the Sculpture Garden. Photos by Amber McWhorter

  Marly Room Accommodations:

  • 5,184 square ft.
  • Standing Reception: 250 guests
  • Banquet Seating: 160 guests (with a dance floor)
  • Banquet Seating: 180 guests (without a dance floor)

  

  MEMBERSHIP GARDEN

  The Membership Garden is a Spanish-style garden with rich foliage surrounded by columns and arched loggias with vaulted ceilings. Photo by Lauren Galloway.

  Membership Garden Accommodations:

  • 2,640 square ft.
  • Standing Reception: 160 guests
  • Banquet Seating: 60 guests
  • Ceremony Seating: 140 guests

  

  SCULPTURE GARDEN

  The Sculpture Garden has several permanent sculptures and tropical plants, all highlighted by natural lighting.

  Sculpture Garden Accommodations:

  • 2,640 square ft.
  • Standing Reception: 100 guests
  • Banquet Seating: 30 guests
  • Ceremony Seating: 50 guests

  

  NORTH STRAUB PARK

  North Straub Park ceremonies can include several backdrops, such as the age-old banyan trees or the Tampa Bay waterfront.

  North Straub Park Accommodations:

  • Ceremony Seating: 500+ guests

• Frequently Asked Questions

  What type of events can be held at the Museum of Fine Arts?
  The Museum hosts all types of events, from weddings to corporate holiday parties and everything in between.

  Can I use my own caterer?
  The Museum of Fine Arts maintains an exclusive relationship with and requires all facility rentals to utilize our approved catering partners for all food and beverage services.

  What is the maximum time my event can last?
  Events at the Museum can last up to five hours. Vendors may arrive three hours prior to the event starting. Setup in the Conservatory may not begin until after 3:30 pm.

  Can my guests view the galleries?
  Gallery access may be available for an additional fee, dependent upon facility rental type and location, and subject to availability.

  What is your pricing structure?
  Our pricing structure is based on the spaces requested, season, and day of the week. All rental prices include a five-hour event period. Please complete our rental request inquiry form to receive our brochure with pricing.

  Can you accommodate special menu requests or create a custom menu for my event?
  Our approved catering partners will work with you to create a custom menu for your event. We can also suggest menu items that are popular with our guests.

  Where does the money from my event go?
  The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, is a registered 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. Each revenue dollar from a special event continues the museum’s mission, including research, education, and exhibition development. The Museum of Fine Arts continually expands its Collection and brings exciting exhibitions to the community. We are also housed in a beautiful building requiring continuous maintenance and upgrades to accommodate our guests, Collection, and staff.

  Can I host a fundraiser at the MFA?
  The MFA is not able to accommodate fundraising events.

• Our Team

  For more information about hosting your event at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, please complete the rental request inquiry form, and someone from our team will be in contact with you.

• Testimonials

  REVIEWS

  Reviewed on 03/15/2019 Aleisa

  Nancy and the staff at MFA we’re amazing! We got married on March 15, 2019 in the Membership Garden as we wanted an “outdoor” wedding, but still wanted our privacy. The garden couldn’t be more perfect! Our cocktail hour was on the Terrace where guest were able to enjoy the beauty of our city. The reception was in the Conservatory which was stunning! The pictures we captured with the high windows and simplicity of the venue was everything. We had our DJ do the uplighting on the walls which made the museum even more elegant and romantic. The location is everything as we were able to capture amazing pictures and continue the party DTSP!

  Reviewed on 05/27/2018 Kate

  We absolutely loved this venue! We got married in the Marly Room and the two gardens and ballroom we’re gorgeous and exactly what we were looking for. The ceremony, which was in the Membership garden, was exactly like we envisioned except that there was a mechanical whirring sound that was slightly distracting. Other than that, we couldn’t have wished for a better venue and service. The coordinator, Nancy, and the catering staff and security were all highly professional and friendly and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!

  Reviewed on 4/26/2018 Jerry P

  “Now that the dust has settled…we wanted to thank YOU for a most amazing experience planning our wedding with you and the MFA.  Never did we expect it to be so flawlessly uncomplicated, and that was due in large part, by you, Nancy.  From Day 1, you put us at ease, and every step of the way, you reassured us and accommodated us beyond belief.  Every. Single. Detail. was tended to and executed beautifully. We will remember March 25th 2018 for the rest of our lives.  As artists, we felt destined to have a wedding location like the Museum, but never thought it possible. You made it possible and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! With lots of love and appreciation, J and J”

  Reviewed on 3/3/2018 Laura

  “This place is dream. I remember from the very first time I saw a wedding party outside of the museum taking photos about 4 years ago, I knew I wanted to have my wedding at the Museum of Fine Arts. Flash forward to two weeks ago and here I am, marrying my best friend at the most beautiful venue in town. Such an incredible place, fantastic location, great hotels and restaurants nearby for guests, and the staff was freaking FANTASTIC! Especially Nancy and Tina. Nancy was like a speed bullet when it came to answering my (many, many) emails and questions. Yes, it may lean more on the pricey side, but it is WORTH IT. I wish the event could have lasted forever. Thanks for everything Nancy and everyone at the MFA.”

  Other reviews:

  “The Museum itself and the grounds surrounding it are absolutely beautiful. Everything felt so elegant and classic. We had our ceremony in the Membership Garden, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Marley room, and moved into the Conservatory for our reception. The day of the wedding everything ran like clockwork, I can honestly say I was able to relax and leave everything in the hands of museum staff without a worry.”
  – Derin and Warren