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Event Space Options

Tacoma Art Museum’s versatile layout lends itself to a wide array of events, from formal to casual and personal to business. TAM provides an elegant setting for civic group meetings, small or large business meetings, memorable holiday parties, lively high school proms, beautiful wedding ceremonies and receptions, and so much more. TAM’s flexible spaces allow you to transform the museum to suit your needs.

Please note: Total capacity depends on setup. Additional event elements may reduce capacity.


Entire Museum Public Spaces

Get the benefits of the full museum facility! This option includes the Marie Helmer Lobby, Murray Family Event Space, Leslie P. Sussman Atrium, Esther and Gene Grant/Ben B. Cheney Foundation Art Classroom, and M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Art Classroom.  For even greater capacity, add any of the optional North galleries and/or the Haub Family Galleries. The full museum is an ideal choice for galas or fundraising spectaculars that wish to incorporate multiple seating options and VIP sections.

  • Great for proms and weddings
  • Square feet: 11,250
  • Cocktail party capacity: 500
  • Seated dinner capacity: 280

Available after the museum closes.


The Marie A. Helmer Lobby

The Marie A. Helmer Lobby is a contemporary showcase of clean lines and soaring ceilings open to the atrium above. Smooth grey concrete floors contrast beautifully with white and deep bronze walls and warm maple wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows view out over Mt. Rainier and the Tacoma cityscape. This stunning space incorporates glass cases with sculpture and studio art glass. It is a splendid fit for an elegant corporate holiday party or exquisite dinner occasion, and is often paired with the Leslie P. Sussman Atrium for a polished wedding dinner reception.

  • Great for receptions and dancing
  • Square feet:  5,300
  • Cocktail party capacity: 300
  • Seated dinner capacity: 200

Available after the museum closes.


The Murray Family Event Space

A spacious, open, rectangular layout with access to a built-in sound and projection system makes this large private room a favorite spot for corporate gatherings, civic group meetings, musical performances, lectures, and medium-sized sit-down meals. It works equally well for dances and events with a club-like setting. This room can be opened to the Marie A. Helmer Lobby, and the two spaces are often combined. The Murray Family Event Space offers smooth concrete floors, white and grey walls, and high ceilings that create an airy feel.

  • Private space, great for lectures, corporate meetings, and parties
  • Easily combined with Marie Helmer Lobby
  • Square feet: 1,700
  • Cocktail party capacity: 120
  • Seated dinner capacity: 80
  • Lecture capacity: 80

Available during the museum’s open hours.


The Leslie P. Sussman Atrium

The light-filled atrium and outdoor terrace comprise the perfect setting for a networking cocktail hour or a wedding ceremony, offering sweeping views of downtown Tacoma and Mt. Rainier. Lined with windows, this space is superb during the rainy season, when a little more light can make an occasion even grander.

  • Semi-private space, great for holiday parties and reunions
  • Terrace space included
  • Square feet: 800
  • Cocktail party capacity: 55
  • Seated dinner capacity: 30

Available during the museum’s open hours.


The Esther and Gene Grant,   Ben B. Cheney Foundation Classroom

Located adjacent to the Leslie P. Sussman Atrium, the Ben B. Cheney Classroom has a special view of downtown Tacoma’s thriving Pacific Avenue. As a working art classroom space, it is an excellent choice for an all-day board retreat or an intimate luncheon.

  • Private space, great for workshops and small parties
  • Easily combined with Leslie P. Sussman Atrium
  • Full sink included
  • Square feet: 1,300
  • Cocktail party capacity: 50
  • Seated dinner capacity: 30
  • Lecture capacity: 40

Available during the museum’s open hours.


*4-hour minimum, does not include labor