From minimal to elaborate, our lobby and terrace spaces can transform into the ideal destination for your guests. Due to their prominent locations within the building, special considerations for scheduling and safety accompany their use and can be reviewed below.

  • To allow visitors full access to the building and collection during normal museum hours, private events may only be scheduled during the periods below.
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
    • Sunday: 9:00am – 12:00pm; 5:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Gallery access is available for after-hours events. Additional charges will apply.

Please note: Lobby and terrace requests should be submitted at least two months in advance.

Space Use Request Form

Lobby & Front Plaza

As our largest gathering space, our natural light bathed lobby will be your choice for occasions welcoming up to 100 guests. The open design invites versatile layouts to accommodate events ranging from lectures, presentations, and department retreats to dinners, musical performances, and receptions.

  • Capacities
    • Standing-only reception | 100
    • Seated lecture/presentation | 50-75
    • Seated meal | 50
  • Available Amenities
    • Up to 100 chairs for lecture and presentation seating
    • Tables
      • 8-foot (10)
      • 6-foot (4)
      • 32-inch standing cocktail (4)
    • Existing lobby furniture
    • AV suite including handheld & lapel wireless microphones, projector & screen, moveable lectern, and Hearing Loop
    • Restrooms in proximity
  • Not Included
    • Linens / table coverings
    • Catering, dishes or flatware

A long lobby with cement floors, red lounge chairs, dropped lighting fixtures, and natural light.

East Terrace

Delight your guests with views of Gibson Square Park and the surrounding UI campus while enjoying a seasonal breeze. Accessible from the third level, this intimate outdoor space provides a great backdrop for discussion-based groups, pop up classes, readings and performances.

 

Available April through October, weather permitting. 

  • Capacities
    • Standing reception | 30
    • Seated | 20
  • Available Amenities
    • Views of Gibson Square Park & UI campus
    • Existing terrace furniture
    • 4 cocktail tables
    • Up to 10 8-foot folding tables
    • Anchor Beacon 2 portable sound system
    • Restrooms and Family Quiet Room in close proximity
    • Use of nearby Seminar Room as staging or weather backup location
  • Not Included
    • Alternate furniture
    • Linens / table coverings
    • Catering, dishes or flatware

 

A narrow terrace with white chairs and tables overlooks surrounding buildings.

South Terrace

Delight your guests with views of downtown Iowa City and the surrounding UI campus while enjoying a seasonal breeze. Accessible from the third level, this L-shaped outdoor space provides a picturesque backdrop for catered cocktail receptions, student organization activities, or departmental gatherings.
 

Available April through October, weather permitting.

  • Capacities
    • Standing reception | 50
    • Seated | 30
  • Available Amenities
    • Views of downtown Iowa City & UI campus
    • Existing terrace furniture
    • 4 cocktail tables
    • Up to 10 8-foot folding tables
    • Anchor Beacon 2 portable sound system
    • Restrooms and Family Quiet Room in close proximity
    • Use of adjacent Seminar Room as staging or weather backup location
  • Not Included
    • Alternate furniture
    • Linens / table coverings
    • Catering, dishes or flatware

 

A wide terrace with white chairs and tables overlooks surrounding buildings.