When you join Partners in Art, as a Business Director, you can host a private event in the Museum. You will be invited to opening events, your company will be recognized in our Quarterly magazine, and your employees will have opportunities to visit the Museum free of charge.

An event at the San Diego Museum of Art is not only a memorable experience, but also helps the Museum continue its mission of enriching lives through art. Events may coincide with the Museum's exciting exhibition schedule and docent tours are available upon request, pending availability.

Spaces Available

The John M. and Sally B. Thornton Rotunda echoes the Spanish architectural design of the façade with two stories of open space and a grand staircase. The recently restored rotunda features a handcrafted fountain of Cicenza sandstone and is perfect for intimate receptions and dinners. The May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden, situated adjacent to the Museum's west wing, is a beautiful outdoor courtyard featuring 19th- and 20th-century sculptures and provides a lovely setting for receptions and dinners. The James S. Copley Auditorium is a large versatile room suitable for lectures, luncheons, receptions, and seated dinners and may be used in conjunction with the sculpture court and garden. Additional costs may be incurred for the use of the court, garden, and/or auditorium.

Guest Capacity

• Recommended capacities only
• Food and beverages are not allowed in art galleries

The Museum does not host personal events or non-SDMA fundraisers.

Download room plans for your event planning needs.(.pdf format)
John M. & Sally B. Thornton Rotunda (lower level)
John M. & Sally B. Thornton Rotunda (upper level)
May S. Marcy Sculpture Court
May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden
James S. Copley Auditorium

For questions or to arrange for a site tour, please contact the Special Events Manager at (619) 696-1924 or .

Download Event Request Form

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Preferred Caterers List

• Waters Fine Catering
  Contact: Stephanie Craven and Andrew Spurgin
  (619)276-8803
• The Prado Restaurant
  Contact: Doreen Victa
  (619)557-9441
• Pamplemousse Grille Restaurant
  Contact: Jeffrey Strauss
  (858)792-9090
• Hyatt La Jolla at Aventine
  Contact: Amy Butterfield
  (858)552-6028
• Culinary Concepts Catering
  Contact: Kathy Koenig
  (858)530-1885
• Crown Point Catering
  Contact: Kimberly Loughlin
  (619)223-1211
• Festivities Catering & Special Events
  Contact: Katie Rosenblatt
  (858)586-2121
• TK&A Custom Catering
  Contact: Justin Fitzgerald
  (858)444-8822

For questions or to arrange for a site tour, please contact the Special Events Manager at (619) 696-1924 or events@sdmart.org.

Download Event Request Form

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