Host Your Private Event
We look forward to hosting your event.
Invite your guests to enjoy a world-class collection and special exhibitions, indulge in a delicious in-house catered meal, and sip cocktails beneath the Cochrane Atrium’s towering skylights. With several unique venues available for rental, a large covered parking deck, and a convenient location in Richmond’s Museum District, VMFA is an ideal choice for entertaining.
To submit an event inquiry, please email us at specialeventsinquiries@vmfa.museum or submit an inquiry.
Events Spaces
Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Atrium
This distinctive space inside the main entrance connects the museum's newer McGlothlin Wing with its two long-standing wings and opens into the VMFA Shop, Best Café, and collection galleries. Your guests will socialize in style beneath the lofty four-story ceiling. Clear glass walls reveal magnificent views of Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Robins Sculpture Garden, providing a striking backdrop for any special occasion.
Capacity
300 seated, 1000 standing
Floris at VMFA, located in the Stan and Dorothy Pauley Center
With architectural design based on 18th-century plans for the White House, the Pauley Center features elegant reception rooms restored in the Colonial Revival style. Home to the museum's tearoom, Floris at VMFA, the Pauley Center's parlor and foyer were both recently redesigned by Abode Studio and offer a refreshed elegance for your event. The Pauley Center’s sophisticated warmth makes it a favorite for wedding receptions.
Capacity: Parlor, Foyer & Dining Room
70+ seated, 250 standingCapacity: Parlor with a Tent on the Patio
125 seated, 300 standing, in conjunction with dining room and foyer
Amuse Restaurant and Best Café
During public hours, these spaces are bustling with visitors, and after hours, they become great venues for hosting private events. Both areas include outdoor spaces that boast wonderful views of the Sculpture Garden and its water features, landscape, and art from the VMFA collection.
Capacity: Eda Hofstead Cabaniss Dining Room at Amuse Restaurant
60 seated, 150 standingCapacity: Birch Douglass Private Dining Room at Amuse Restaurant
30 seated, 60 standingCapacity: Best Café
250 standing
Claiborne Robertson Room
Enjoy a stunning corner view of the Sculpture Garden, its water features and lush landscape leading up to the Belvedere. The Claiborne Robertson Room can accommodate meetings, dinners, small weddings, and other intimate events. Adding the Birch Douglass Private Dining Room or Amuse Restaurant, when available, will expand the possible event size.
Capacity:
90 seated, 150 standing
Marble Hall
This magnificent venue is currently unavailable due to temporary closures related to our expansion project. Start booking now for events in 2027/2028. Please inquire with our team to be among the first to enjoy the Marble Hall when it reopens after our expansion is complete.
Capacity: Marble Hall
300 seated, 600 standing
Coming Soon: New Expansive Rooftop Venue
Soon the museum's expansion will add a fifth floor with a brand new venue. Guests will enjoy sweeping views of Richmond from a partially glass-encased room and terraces, a gorgeous custom built-in bar, and a generous pre-function area. With custom mood-lighting, sound systems, projectors integrated into the ceiling, and much more, it's the perfect place for large conferences, weddings, and corporate events. We hope to offer this venue beginning in 2027/2028. Inquire now to be the first to book this one-of-a-kind space!
Capacity: Expansion Rooftop Menu
500 seated, 1,000 standing
Menus & Usage
We can help you create the menu that fits your style and budget through our full-service catering offerings. Food and beverage costs may vary depending on menu and bar selections.
Submit an Inquiry
To submit an event inquiry, please email us at specialeventsinquiries@vmfa.museum or submit an inquiry using the form below.
After submission, we will look at the scope of your event and set up a site visit for you to meet one of our coordinators regarding the specific spaces that interest you.
You can also browse our usage fees and full menus below to get answers to some of your questions before your site visit.
We can place a complimentary 10-day hold on a venue for a desired date.
Once you decide on a space and finalize your date, you can reserve your event date and space by making a deposit.
A coordinator will be assigned to your event and will assist with the planning and day-of-event coordination. We offer this service standard as a part of our usage fees. We will be there to help every step of the way.
FAQs
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Plan Your Visit
Experience a world-class art museum with hometown hospitality. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses a remarkable permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art from almost every major world culture.
We’re open 365 days a year and general admission is always free.
