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. Adjoined to the Conservatory is the terrace which sits across from the bay, bringing guests a true Florida experience. In addition to the terrace, the Conservatory has access to the newest Galleries which host traveling exhibitions. These Galleries are available for your guests to enjoy during your event.

  Conservatory Accommodations:

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

  

  MARLY ROOM (INCLUDES BOTH GARDENS)

  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. Photo by Limelight Photography

  Marly Room Accommodations:

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

  

  MEMBERSHIP GARDEN

  The Membership Garden is a Spanish style garden surrounded by columns and arched loggias with vaulted ceilings. The rich foliage is brought to life by the exquisite up-lighting.

  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 modern lighting.

  Sculpture Garden Accommodations:

  • 2,640 square ft.
  • Standing Reception: 150 guests
  • Banquet Seating: 40 guests

  

  BAYVIEW ROOM

  Located on the second floor, this room is a perfect place for board meetings, company retreats, or client appreciation dinners. The Bayview Room has Audio Visual support and a great view of the bay.

  Bayview Room Accommodations:

  • 1,125 square ft.
  • Standing Reception: 90 guests
  • Banquet Seating: 70 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 works exclusively with Olympia Catering & Events for all food service. Catering by Lundy’s is the Museum’s exclusive beverage service provider.

  What is the maximum time my event can last?
  Events at the Museum can last up to five hours and vendors can begin setting up three hours prior to the event starting.

  Can my guests view the galleries?
  Yes. You will receive 2.5 hours of gallery time included with your facility rental. The Galleries open are proprietary to the wing in which the rental space is located.

  What is your pricing structure?
  Although we do have base fees, each event is unique and thus we customize our rental fees based on the specific function space(s) being utilized and the amount of time needed.

  Can you accommodate special menu requests or create a custom menu for my event?
  Yes, our in-house caterer will work with you to create a custom menu, specific 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 is a registered 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. Each revenue dollar from a special event is used to continue the work of the museum, including research, education and exhibition development. The Museum of Fine Arts is continually expanding the collections and bringing exciting exhibitions to the community. We are also housed in a beautiful building that requires continuous maintenance and upgrades to better accommodate our guests, collections and staff.

  Can I host a fundraiser at the MFA?
  The MFA is often asked by non-affiliated non-profit groups for use of our facilities and grounds to host fundraising events. While we would love to be able to accommodate the many worthy non-profits in our area, we are unable to grant every request.

• Our Team

  Olympia Catering & Events, the exclusive caterer for the Museum of Fine Arts, is a third generation, family-owned business founded in 1924. Olympia has catered thousands of events in the Tampa Bay area from intimate groups up to 3,500 guests. Olympia maintains a full-service kitchen in the museum and operates the museum’s in-house restaurant, the MFA Café. Whether you are planning a cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres or an elegant six-course plated dinner, Olympia’s expert chefs will create an array of culinary masterpieces to please your palate. Their service professionals will provide unparalleled hospitality for your guests and will be there to attend to every detail. Olympia’s goal is to make your experience at the Museum of Fine Arts effortless and memorable. For more information on Olympia Catering & Events, please call 813-251-8225, email info@olympiacatering.com or visit www.olympiacatering.com.

  Catering by Lundy’s is a family-owned and operated beverage caterer who has been doing business for over 30 years in the Tampa Bay area. Lundy’s has brought integrity and peace of mind into the events industry with their affordable and responsible approach to servicing alcoholic beverages to the public. From an NHL all-star Gala for 5,000 to private intimate gatherings, Lundy’s approaches every event with the same tenacity and professionalism.

• 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

  “My professional organization just used the Museum of Fine Arts and Olympia catering for our recent luncheon. The staff was friendly prompt and on task, our luncheon meal was delicious! I would whole-heartedly recommend using Olympia for any of one’s event needs.”
  – Theresa Crane, Account Executive, Duke Energy

  “I hired Olympia for my company’s holiday party and the food and service was terrific! I had so many compliments on how delicious the food was at this event. I worked with Nancy and she is a true professional and knows her business. You will never forget the food you served at your event if you book with Olympia Catering!”
  – Shelly Peterlin, Yara