Danforth Event Rentals

Consider the Danforth for your next social or corporate event!

The Danforth Art Museum & School offers a variety of spaces for your next celebration or meeting. Rent out the entirety of the museum, and host an intimate cocktail reception surrounded by our permanent collection and contemporary rotating exhibitions, which will delight your friends and family, colleagues or clients! Looking for a more casual setting? The art school has both smaller and larger sized studios that are great for off-site meetings, casual gatherings and unique art experiences that can be tailored to your group!

Explore our rental options below, as well as info on catering, bar services, and additional fees.

Museum Galleries

The Museum’s Permanent Collection focuses on American art from the 19th century to the present day. Changing exhibitions feature both historic works and the works of regional, contemporary artists. The Danforth Art Museum is comprised of 6 galleries, including a connecting hallway, with a max capacity of 200 people. The space is perfect for reception style gatherings as well as small talks or presentations. You can rent the entirety of the Museum level for your event or celebration.

 

 

 

Photograph of a gallery installation with grey walls. On the perimeter walls are artworks in various mediums. There are four pedestals in the room painted various colors holding a variety of works.

Photograph of a gallery installation with light light blue and tan walls. There are various artworks hung across all the wall surfaces.  
Photograph of a gallery room, with a woman standing at a mic in the back corner reading from a paper. There are people seated around listening to her read.  
Photograph of a gallery room with dark grey walls and tan wood floor. There are a series of tall sculptures with rusty scaffolding shapes and sporadic clumps of white, blue, and grey paper flower shapes.  
Photograph of a gallery with tan floors, a dark blue wall on the left and a white wall on the right with artwork. In the center are long black covered tables with black chairs and art supplies on top.  
Photograph of tables and activities for an event in an art gallery.  
Photograph of high tops decorated for an event in a gallery.  

Studio Spaces

people mingling in a studio enjoying food and art

 

 

 

Looking for a space to meet off-site with colleagues or do you want to host a fun celebration with art, food and friends? The Danforth Art School has 4 studio options to rent from, with varying price points to meet the needs of your group!

Photograph of a room with white walls and windows to the left. In the center in a 'U' shape are three black tables with supplies for food service.  
Photograph of a room with grey flooring and white walls with windows on the far left. In the center are several rows of blue and black chairs all facing a tv on the center right and another table with microphones to the center left.  
Photograph of a room with white walls and windows to the right. In the center in a 'U' shape are six black tables with chairs all facing a tv in the back center.  
Photograph of a studio room with windows and a square of brown covered tables in the center and chairs around it.  
Photograph of a studio set up for a reception. People are milling about, looking at art and chatting.  
Photograph of a studio room with windows and a square of brown covered tables in the center and chairs around it.  
Photograph of a studio set up for a reception. People are milling about, looking at art and chatting.  
Photograph of an event space with white walls and large windows, a rug down the center leading to an arch, and several rows of black chairs on either side of the rug with poinsettia flowers.  
Photograph of a room with white walls with rectangular tables to the far left and round tables in the center.  

Fees

(pricing is for events up to 4hrs, which includes set-up and break-down. Longer events are subject to additional charges)

Museum Space

Capacity: 200 | Venue rental fee: $3,000

 

School Studios

Studio 303 & 312
Capacity: 20 | Venue rental fee: $150

Studio 307b
Capacity: 30 | Venue rental fee: $250

Studio 307a
Capacity: 40 | Venue rental fee: $300

Studio 307a & 307b
Capacity: 90 | Venue rental fee: $550

Parking Lot

Capacity: 90 spaces total with 6 handicap spaces | Rental fee: $250

(included with event space rental)

Additional Costs

Admin Fee (non-refundable): $100
Maintainer Fee: $160 (for any event with food)
Audio or Visual Support: $180 (for event or meeting using our AV equipment)
Event Service Manager: $180
Police Detail: $360 (for events with a bar)

Do you offer any discounts?

The Danforth offers a 10% discount for non-profit and educational organizations.

Can I see the space before I book my event?

Of course! We invite you to join us for an onsite tour where we can learn more about your event and show you around the museum or school.

Contact Event Manager, Chandra Taylor, at 508-215-5136 or ctaylor11@framingham.edu.

Policies & Frequently Asked Questions

When can I hold my event?

The possibility of any event is dependent on the programming and exhibitions held at the Danforth. Please note that events must be booked at least 60 days ahead of time.

Catering & Bar Services

Any catering that is over $250, must be placed with Danforth’s contracted catering service, Sodexo. Whether your event requires a relaxed coffee break or a more elegant dinner reception, Sodexo’s catering services offers a variety of chef-inspired foods and flavours for any occasion! The catering team can create a personalized menu for your guests, considering dietary restrictions and allergies, or you can select from their many delicious offerings!

The serving of alcohol may only be provided through the Danforth. We work closely with several bartending services in the area, and we’ll be able to help find the right package for you!

 

*Please note that we have some restrictions on the setting for food in the museum. Please inquire before booking your event with us!

What equipment does the Danforth provide?

Certain equipment is built into the rental fee, including 6 ft. rectangular tables, round high tops, tablecloths and black folding chairs. Please inquire about equipment availability and use. Some equipment may need to be rented by an outside vendor.

Deposits

A non-refundable deposit of twenty-five percent (25%) of the estimated costs is required to confirm the reservation. A non-refundable payment of seventy-five percent (75%) of the estimated costs is required sixty (60) days prior to the event. Deposit amounts are applied to the final billing.

Liability Insurance

Those renting our facilities must procure a current comprehensive general liability insurance to cover the period of time their event will take place at the Danforth. Commonwealth of Massachusetts agencies are exempt from insurance requirements.

Excluded Events

The Danforth is unable to host large wedding ceremonies or receptions (micro weddings are acceptable, but is dependent on the location and time of year), religious ceremonies, memorial services, bar or bat mitzvahs, dances/formals, fundraisers, art auctions or displays, political events, or events that are open or advertised to the public.

We look forward to helping make your event at the Danforth a memorable one! Inquire today!
Events Manager: Chandra Taylor