When you join Partners in Art, as a Business Director, you can host a private event in the
Museum. You will be invited to opening events, your company will be recognized in our Quarterly
magazine, and your employees will have opportunities to visit the Museum free of charge.
An event at the San Diego Museum of Art is not only a memorable experience, but also helps the
Museum continue its mission of enriching lives through art. Events may coincide with the
Museum's exciting exhibition schedule and docent tours are available upon request, pending
availability.
Spaces Available
The John M. and Sally B. Thornton Rotunda echoes the Spanish architectural design of the façade
with two stories of open space and a grand staircase. The recently restored rotunda features a
handcrafted fountain of Cicenza sandstone and is perfect for intimate receptions and dinners.
The May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden, situated adjacent to the Museum's west wing, is a
beautiful outdoor courtyard featuring 19th- and 20th-century sculptures and provides a lovely
setting for receptions and dinners. The James S. Copley Auditorium is a large versatile room
suitable for lectures, luncheons, receptions, and seated dinners and may be used in conjunction
with the sculpture court and garden. Additional costs may be incurred for the use of the court,
garden, and/or auditorium.
Guest Capacity
| Spaces |
Standing |
Seated |
John M. & Sally B. Thornton Rotunda (4,240 Sq. Ft.) |
500 |
160 |
| First floor |
400 |
100 |
| Second floor |
100 |
60 |
May S. Marcy Sculpture Court (7,260 Sq. Ft.) |
500 |
250 |
May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden (10,660 Sq. Ft.) |
300 |
100 |
James S. Copley Auditorium (4,226 Sq. Ft.) |
400¹ |
250² |
1. Seated for presentation
2. Seated for dinner
- Recommended capacities only
- Food and beverages are not allowed in art galleries
The Museum does not host personal events or non-SDMA fundraisers.
Download room plans for your event planning needs.(.pdf format)
John M. & Sally B. Thornton Rotunda (lower level)
John M. & Sally B. Thornton Rotunda (upper level)
May S. Marcy Sculpture Court
May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden
James S. Copley Auditorium
For questions or to arrange for a site tour, please contact the Special Events Manager
at (619) 696-1924 or .
Preferred Caterers List