Rent the Museum

Thrill your guests in the most creative and unconventional venue in Riverside. From celebrations to collaborations, our iconic building in the heart of downtown Riverside will give you the perfect backdrop of historic charm and avant-garde surprises. We are happy to offer you a full range of flexible spaces and professional services for your next event, big or small. Host your event at UCR ARTS!

You can rent our spaces individually or combine them for a perfect fit. Note that all spaces available in the museum are wheelchair accessible.

For pricing packages tailored to your needs, please contact Senior Public Events Manager Amy Metcalf at (951) 827-1467 or amy.metcalf@ucr.edu.

Facilities

Coil Brothers Atrium

300 guest (standing)
200 guests (seated no tables)
150 guests (seated at 60” round tables)
Dimensions: 75 x 23 ft. (space between the columns)

Wheelchair accessible

The majestic Coil Brothers Atrium is crowned with a 35-foot naturally illuminated clerestory ceiling offering magical light during the day and special effects at night. Acoustically dynamic architecture coupled with state-of-the-art technology makes it an ideal space for celebrations, performances, conferences, and more.

Coil Brothers Second-Floor Balcony

100 guests (standing)
50 guests (seated no tables)
40 guests (seated at 60” round tables)
Dimensions:75 x 22 ft. (22 ft. across is at max, 14.5 ft. across elsewhere)

Wheel-chair accessible via elevator to 2^nd floor

This secluded space has a bird’s eye view of the stunning Coil Brothers Atrium. It is the perfect spot if you have a smaller group, but still want a dramatic gallery experience. Portable audiovisual technology is available.

Culver Center Screening Room 

72 fixed seats
1 seat/space is for staff
Dimensions: 55 x 22 ft.

No food or drink please

Wheel-chair accessible via lift elevator to vestibule or entrance at front of theatre. 4 wheelchair accessible spaces in the theatre

Our newly renovated screening room is the ideal location for films, lectures, readings, and presentations. With our new audiovisual system, you can project in all digital formats, enjoy 5.1 Dolby surround sound, and use convenient laptop connections at the front of the room. We can also provide you with microphones, a lectern, and stools so that you are fully equipped.

Black Box Theater / Intermedia Studio

75 guests (standing)
50 guests (seated no tables)

30 guests (seated at 60” round tables)
Dimensions: 38 x 30 ft.

Wheelchair accessible via elevator to 2^nd floor.

Our large black box theater and studio is the ideal location for filming videos, performing with a small group, or as a convenient conference space. It comes ready with wraparound black velvet curtains, white and green screens, theatrical lighting, and portable sound.

F-Stop Gallery

50 guests (standing)
40 guests (seated no tables)
20 guests (seated at 60” round tables)
Dimensions: 45 x 15 ft.

Wheelchair accessible. Well suited for meet-and-greets and cocktail parties, your guests will marvel at views of the stunning Coil Brothers Atrium and the lively Main Street Promenade. A 6-foot sliding glass door provides a perfect solution for adding outdoor space to your event. Portable audiovisual technology is available. 

Olga Hammond Dance Studio

75 guests (standing)
65 (seated no tables)
56 guests (seated at 60” round tables)
Dimensions: 45 x 30 ft.
No pointy-heeled shoes please

Wheelchair accessible via elevator to 2^nd floor.

Light and airy, this dance studio overlooks the Main Street Promenade from the second floor and is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows. This bright gem of a space has a dance floor with sprightly bounce, perfect for your next dance performance, and plenty of space for a conference, lecture, or magical dinner party. Portable audiovisual technology is available.

Sweeney Gallery 

30 guests (standing)
16 guests (seated no tables)

16 guests (seated at 60” round tables)
Dimensions: 35 x 15 ft.

Wheelchair accessible.

The Sweeney Gallery is an exclusive space perfect for intimate events. Availability is extremely limited. Please contact us for details.

Seating Capacities by Space

Get Started

You must read our Facility Use Guidelines (pdf) before planning your event.

You can rent our spaces individually or combine them for a perfect fit.

For pricing packages tailored to your needs, please contact Senior Public Events Manager Amy Metcalf at (951) 827-1467 or amy.metcalf@ucr.edu.

Vendors Must Be UC Approved

Only UC-approved vendors can provide services on UC property. If you want to bring in a vendor, they must go through the UC approval process. We can help with that.

You could also go with an already approved vendor. After years of hosting events, we know many who stand out, including: 

Citrus Grove Catering
Baguette Bakery
Allie’s Party Rental
Party Plus Rental 
Florist – Nature of Things 

Parking Options (pdf)

Rules and Permits

You must complete a City of Riverside Event Permit Application for events outside the museum.

You (and your vendors) must provide a certificate of insurance that includes:

• 1M in general liability
• 2M in aggregate
• The UC Regents named as additionally insured on a primary and noncontributory basis

UCR ARTS will abide by all local, state and federal policy regarding safety practices to avoid COVID exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent the museum?
We create unique individual pricing packages tailored to your exact needs. Please contact Senior Public Events Manager Amy Metcalf at (951) 827-1467 or amy.metcalf@ucr.edu.

Do you have package pricing or discounts?
Yes! Please contact Senior Public Events Manager Amy Metcalf at (951) 827-1467 or amy.metcalf@ucr.edu.

Do we need to put down a deposit?
Yes, we do. To hold your date, we require a 25 percent deposit. Full payment is due seven days before your event.

Do you have security?
Security is required for all events that occur outside of business hours. We will schedule security on your behalf. It is $50 per hour, has a 4-hour minimum, and is in addition to your rental costs.

Do you have tables and chairs, or do we need to rent them?
We have a limited supply but can help you access more. Please contact Events Manager Amy Metcalf at (951) 827-1467 or amy.metcalf@ucr.edu.

Can I bring my own vendors?
Yes, but they must become UC approved vendors. We can help you with that. Please contact Events Manager Amy Metcalf at (951) 827-1467 or amy.metcalf@ucr.edu.

Is alcohol allowed?
Yes, but certain rules apply. Please contact Events Manager Amy Metcalf at (951) 827-1467 or amy.metcalf@ucr.edu.

Can we have our private event during museum hours? 
Absolutely. There are many spaces that allow for comfortable private events while we are open.

How late can we stay? 
Per city/state rules, our facilities are available to rent by the hour. Any event over 8 hours will incur overtime charges equal to 1.5 times the hourly rate.

Do I need insurance or permits? 
Read our Facility Use Guidelines (pdf) before planning your event.

You (and your vendors) must provide a certificate of insurance that includes:

• 1M in general liability
• 2M in aggregate
• The UC Regents named as additionally insured on a primary and noncontributory basis

You must complete a City of Riverside Event Permit Application (pdf) for events taking place outside the museum.

Where can my guests smoke?
Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of our building. Your guests can step outside and away from our building to smoke.