Private Events FAQs

Go to Request Details and complete the form to check availability for your date.

Go to Request Details and complete the form to book a tour.

We require a signed contract and down payment to book your date.

Costs are based on the day of the week and the number of hours for the rental; see our Sample Rates below for details. Rentals come with tables and chairs, setup and breakdown time, and a venue supervisor.

Sample Rates:

• Weddings
• Corporate Events
• Social Events
• Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Our Buchanan Room seats up to 160 guests with room for dancing, 190 without a dance floor, or 230 standing.

Buchanan Room events may run until midnight. Rooftop events must end at 10 PM.

Yes. Our Rooftop is an add-on outdoor space for your event; it’s automatically held for your event when you book the Buchanan Room. Use of the Rooftop is weather dependent and the number of guests is the same as in the Buchanan Room.

Yes. All of our spaces, including the Buchanan Room and Rooftop, are fully accessible. See our Accessibility page for additional information.

VisArts’ galleries are a popular destination and, to ensure a more private event experience, we recommend considering an evening or weekend time slot. Our galleries are open Wednesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday from 12-4 PM and Friday from 12-8 PM. For an additional fee, we can offer the exclusive use of the Floor 2 galleries and Artists’ Concourse during your event.

When summer camp is in session, Monday-Friday events must start at 5 PM or later. All events must end by midnight.

Event décor may not be adhered to any walls or windows. We don’t allow the use of glitter, non-compostable confetti, or animals used as décor.

Montgomery County bans the use of fireworks, including sparklers.

Only licensed and insured vendors may suspend décor from our ceiling and rafters; vendors must be approved by VisArts in advance.

We do allow real candles, provided that the candles are covered by a glass container and the flame doesn’t extend past the glass. We don’t allow the use of live flames on the floor or window sills of the Buchanan Room.

No. VisArts requires the use of one of our approved caterers. We have more than twenty approved caterers to fit a variety of cuisines, service styles, and price points.

Yes. You may provide your own alcohol, provided it’s served by the full-service caterer’s staff. VisArts doesn’t allow beer kegs or drinking shots.

Yes, we have more than twenty approved caterers to fit a variety of cuisines, service styles, and price points. See our list of approved caterers.

Yes. VisArts can transform any event into an exceptionally engaging special occasion with the addition of a custom art activity. The possibilities are practically endless! Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll tailor an art project for your team or guests.