Ceremony and Reception Rental Spaces
Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is one of San Francisco's premiere event venues. A San Francisco cultural institution since 1895, the de Young was completely renovated into a state of the art facility integrating art, architecture and the surrounding natural landscape.
The de Young offers a selection of spectacular spaces for your memorable event. From the dramatic Wilsey Court to the intimate Hamon Observation Tower, the de Young is perfect for a wide variety of private social functions.
In addition to the beautiful event spaces, our exceptional galleries and special exhibitions may also be rented for private viewing.
Whether you are hosting a wedding reception for 400 or a 50th birthday bash for 25, the unique event spaces in the de Young will make your private event truly unforgettable.
Wilsey Court
Photo courtesy of imotion
The premiere event space inside the museum for larger receptions (over 150 seated) is Wilsey Court. Wilsey Court can accommodate up to 400 seated with room for dancing. The expansive space with its soaring ceiling is easily transformed by lighting and serves as a frame to your beautiful event.
Seated capacity: 350–375Reception capacity: 800
Hamon Observation Tower
Taylor Glenn Photography
The Hamon Observation Tower is a spectacular glass-walled space with 360 degree panoramic views of downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, the Bay, and the Marin headlands. The Tower can accommodate standing receptions for up to 150 guests and seated dinners for up to 45. Certain hot food service restrictions apply; inquire with the Facility Rental Manager.
Seated capacity: 45Reception capacity: 125–150
de Young Café and Terrace
Grace Street Catering
The de Young Café is one of the most popular choices for weddings and private events. Although the maximum seated capacity is 160, we recommend 110–120 should you want room for dancing inside.
The only indoor/outdoor rental space at the museum, the Café rental offers guests access to the beautiful Café Terrace and Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden throughout the evening. Entrance to the de Young Café is via the Café Gate.
Seated capacity: 160Reception capacity: 250–275
Piazzoni Murals Room
Jennifer Paschal for Bruce Forrester Photography
The Piazzoni Murals Room is a warm and welcoming event space perfect for smaller weddings and intimate private dinners. For larger events, it can be combined with the Wilsey Court rental for use as a lounge, or specialty bar off of the main event space. The Piazzoni Murals Room is our most popular indoor ceremony rental space.
Seated capacity: 130Reception capacity: 175
Entire Building
Jennifer Paschal photo
Rental of the entire building includes access for your guests to the entire museum including all of the galleries on all three levels. Food and beverages are not allowed in the gallery spaces but are allowed in Wilsey Court, the main Lobby, Piazzoni Murals Room, Café, Terrace, and the Tower. Dancing and entertainment are allowed in any of the above listed spaces.
Seated capacity: 635–685Reception capacity: 2,000–2,500+
Concourse Level
Photo © FAMSF
Reception capacity: 1,250-1,300