Timing

Events are held from 8:00 a.m. to midnight daily. If you'd like to have your wedding ceremony in any of the main museum galleries, that will need to take place outside normal museum hours. 

Even though we are a small museum, we do a lot! Certain dates are held for educational museum programs and co-sponsored events but we'd love to work with you to get your event in our books. With that said, so that we can ensure your event goes smoothly, we request that you let us know you're thinking of hosting your event at WAM at least one month in advance.

Mission & Event Types

We want to ensure that your meeting, dinner, reception, wedding, or other special event is memorable. To that end—when you share your dream event with us, our team of experts reserves the right to review event plans to ensure that what you're envisioning is compatible with both our mission and the mission of the University of Minnesota.  

For example, we'd love to support the use of our space for meetings, dinners, receptions, weddings, and other special events. However, there are few types of rental events that are not permitted at WAM. They are: 

• Political Activities — did you know, we are a public polling place?
• Religious Services
• Product Promotions (or any other commercial events open to the public)
   

Similarly, we hope that it's understandable that the Weisman does not permit art exhibits, film screenings, or performances onsite which are not formally presented by the Weisman Art Museum.

For Registered Student Organizations: 

• Rentals must be reserved and a contract signed by a Registered Student Organizations (RSO) officer—this person will be responsible for the event rental
• Rental must have additional insurance (provided by the Weisman via Urimia Tulip and charged back to the RSO in the amount of $200.00)
• No alcohol is allowed for Registered Student Organization events and preferred caterers must be used for food service
• RSO events must end by 10pm
• All event logistics must be confirmed with the Event Manager one month in advance of the event

For Campus Life groups: 

• Campus Life Group rentals must be paid via EFS Chart String
• The contract must be signed by Admin/Staff from the sponsoring UMN Department
• No additional insurance is necessary 

General University Guidelines

There are a few things WAM must ensure that all renters comply with, as per University of Minnesota guidelines: smoking is not permitted in the Weisman Art Museum (including any of WAM's outdoor areas like our stunning terrace spaces!). Food and beverages are not allowed outside of the rental spaces—keep that charcuterie plate inside! 

Please note, that while signs and decorations are permitted (as long as things aren't affixed to any interior or exterior surface of the museum) advance approval is needed for music, photography, and the use of votive candles.

All non-university events require insurance through the University: a general liability certificate of insurance for one million dollars, stating the Regents of the University of Minnesota as additional insured, is included in your rental fee. 

General Food and Beverage Policies

There is no food and beverage minimum to hold an event at the Weisman Art Museum but we do add an eight percent venue fee to the caterer's final billing statement. The caterers we work with (see below) are consummate professionals who handle all food and beverage set up—so, we ask them to arrive an hour and half before the event begins. Keep in mind, that while our student staff are trained and supported to provide the best experience for your event, only caterers may handle, serve, or clean up food and beverage or access our on-site kitchen. 

We need your cooperation in keeping the art safe and upholding our strict standards of service. No food or beverages are allowed in the main exhibition galleries—that includes communion—nor are food and beverages permitted to leave the property.

The Weisman Art Museum does not hold a liquor license, so that means all liquor service (whether hosted or cash bar) is required to be served via an approved caterer.If you'd like to have alcoholic beverages at your event, you will need to submit an Alcohol Use Application to the Events Coordinator at least 30 days in advance of the event. 

Keep in mind that bar service is required to end 30 minutes before the end of your event and food must be served in conjunction with alcohol service.

Approved Caterers

The Weisman Art Museum does not offer on-site catering services. Instead, we work with a carefully curated list of stellar food and beverage providers:

D’Amico Catering 612-238-4444
The Deco Catering 612-623-4477
Kafé 421 Catering 612-623-4900
Holy Land 612-781-2627
Union Hmong Kitchen 612-431-5285
Brasa 612-353-7798
Steady Pour 612-224-9606
Complete Beverage Service 800-550-7750
With a Twist Bartending 612-655-2369

These caterers were selected for their consistently high levels of quality and are already approved for special event functions at the Weisman. While clients may choose to work with another caterer, that process is subject to an application review and a $1,000 service fee.

Are you a non-profit? Let us know! WAM offers a 10% discount on event rentals for all non-profits. 

Rental fees are based on daily usage and do not include food or beverages, extended gallery hours, parking, additional maintenance/cleaning fees, or security. But, feel free to ask us! We have great recommendations for any services we don't offer in-house. 

University of Minnesota Events

WAM welcomes University of Minnesota entities to host sponsored events at the museum. U of M departments enjoy a discounted rental rate on events which support the mission of our institution. Please note that a member of the University of Minnesota department must act as the coordinating contact to finalize event details, sign a rental contract, and pay invoices.