Plan an Event

The Spaces

• Can I arrange an event at SAM?
• How do I check for availability or reserve a space?
• How far in advance can I book a space?
• Can I stop by to view SAM spaces, and do I need to be escorted?
• What are the normal museum hours of operation?
• Can I arrange for a private viewing of the art galleries during my event?
• What is included in the facility fee?
• What is SAM's policy on deposits and reservations?
• Can I place the charges on my credit card?
• What time can I hold a wedding on a Saturday night?
• Can I hold both the wedding ceremony and the reception at the museum or park?
• Is there a contingency plan for an outside wedding if it rains?
• What is the parking situation at each location?
• Can my high school hold a prom at the museum or park?

Catering

• What is the museum’s catering policy, and who manages SAM's café operation?
• How do I get an estimate for catering, and who would be my key contact for food and beverage-related questions?
• Is TASTE Events equipped to provide Kosher catering?
• Can I use my own caterer if I want a special cuisine?

Can I arrange an event at SAM?

Yes. We have space available at SAM Downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park.

How do I check for availability or reserve a space?

You can contact the Facilities Marketing Manager by email at facilities@seattleartmuseum.org or by phone at 206.654.3140.

How far in advance can I book a space?

Space is available to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis up to 12 months in advance.

Can I stop by to view SAM spaces, and do I need to be escorted?

You are welcome to view the museum and PACCAR Pavilion public spaces any time during public hours. You do not need an escort and you are not required to pay admission to preview the location for a future event. It is a good idea to contact the Facilities Marketing Manager to double-check that the spaces you would like to view are not booked for an event during the time you want to visit.

What are the normal museum hours of operation?

SAM Downtown: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Thursdays and Fridays until 9 pm
Seattle Asian Art Museum: View the Seattle Asian Art Museum visitor page information for the seasonal hours.
Olympic Sculpture Park PACCAR Pavilion: View the Olympic Sculpture Park visitor information page for the seasonal hours.

Can I arrange for a private viewing of the art galleries during my event?

Yes, the art galleries are available before or after public hours for an additional fee that is based on the cost of staffing the space.

What is included in the facility fee?

The cost of hiring a space is made up of the facility fee, security charges and any audio-visual fees. It also includes tables and chairs, coat check, maintenance and utilities. Events held during museum hours would also qualify for free admission to the galleries for all guests.

What is SAM's policy on deposits and reservations?

A 50% deposit of the facility fee is required to book your event on a definite basis. The balance payment is due at least 5 days before the event.

Can I place the charges on my credit card?

Yes, the museum accepts MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

What time can I hold a wedding on a Saturday night?

Both museums and the Olympic Sculpture Park (during the summer) close to the public at 5 pm, so set-up can begin after the building is cleared of visitors. To allow time for set-up, such events usually start with guest arrival at about 6:30 pm and can run as late as 11 pm without additional charges. The teardown happens after the guests depart at the end of the reception. Extra charges are required if the event goes later than 11 pm; all events need to conclude by midnight.

Can I hold both the wedding ceremony and the reception at the museum or park?

Yes, you can combine both activities, or there are several places where you can stage the ceremony in and around any of the three locations.

Is there a contingency plan for an outside wedding if it rains?

Weddings that are scheduled outside can be designed to shift indoors if there is a threat of rain at no additional charge. Tenting can also be staged for an outdoors event, but tenting is not included in the facility fee.

What is the parking situation at each location?

The following links go to parking information for our three locations:

SAM Downtown
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Olympic Sculpture Park

Can my high school hold a prom at the museum or park?

Proms, auctions and political events are not permitted at SAM. High school reunions, however, are permitted.

What is the museum’s catering policy, and who manages SAM's café operation?

We partner with TASTE Events to provide exclusive catering at all SAM locations. All food and beverage arrangements must be made directly with TASTE Events.

How do I get an estimate for catering, and who would be my key contact for food and beverage-related questions?

You can contact TASTE Events directly. The catering director can be reached at 206.654.3190 or you can email tasteevents@tastesam.com. You can also download sample menus online.

Is TASTE Events equipped to provide Kosher catering?

TASTE Events does not offer a strictly Kosher menu.

Can I use my own caterer if I want a special cuisine?

TASTE Events will review and approve alternate catering arrangements on a case-by-case basis.