Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is your go-to venue for artful celebrations, refined receptions, unforgettable weddings, and impressive corporate events.
Rentable Spaces
Enjoy one of the most unique venues in Santa Cruz County.
Our three-floor building features flexible spaces with amenities for nearly any size gathering.
Atrium
The 1,200-square-foot Atrium features floor-to-ceiling windows. The space feels open and inviting day or night for large events and receptions.
Accommodates up to 200 people
Sculpture Garden
The 1,050-square-foot Sculpture Garden is the only rentable rooftop in Downtown Santa Cruz. Great for cocktail hours, meet and greets, corporate receptions, and small parties.
The 1,800-square-foot Secret Garden is an outdoor space full of greenery tucked behind the museum and Downtown Santa Cruz. Great for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and seated dinners.
The 1,100-square-foot Garden Room opens up into the Secret Garden for an indoor/outdoor experience. Great for medium-sized meetings, lectures, seminars, and dinner parties.
Accommodates up to 75 people
Board Room
The 550-square-foot Board Room is the perfect private meeting space. Great for brainstorming sessions, presentations, roundtable discussions, trainings, and workshops.
Accommodates up to 20 people
Get in Touch
Tell us more about the experience you'd like to host at the MAH. Expect a reply from our team within two business days.
When you select the MAH as a venue for your special event, you help support the museum's exhibitions, programs, collections, and publications. Learn more about our mission and history.
Special Discounts
Corporate Partners at select membership levels can enjoy discounted rental fees.
“I highly recommend the MAH because of the flexibility in outside vendors, helpful and knowledgeable staff, location, and positive energy that is the MAH!”
Keisha Frost — United Way
Amenities
Complimentary Amenities
In-house sound system for background music; one speaker inside the facility
(30) rectangle tables
(80) black folding chairs
(14) standing cocktail tables
(10) sit-down bistro tables
(2) five-foot round tables
Projection in Atrium
Serpentine bar
Stage
Interested in Hosting an Event?
Let's chat! We're here to help you find the right fit for your event at the MAH.
Are you looking to say "I Do" at the MAH? Check out our wedding and reception packages.
Weddings at the MAH
Craft a one-of-a-kind wedding or reception you and your guests will never forget. With flexible spaces, boundless catering options, and an artful atmosphere the MAH is your dream wedding venue.
We love the way you think! Whether you're ready to put a reservation down now or need to hear more, reach out via the form and our events team will reach out within two days.
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. You can place a hold on a date for up to (2) weeks, after which the date will be released without notification. If another interested party inquiries about your held date within those (2) weeks, we will let you know and give you (1) week or until the end of your soft hold (whichever is sooner) to confirm. After the hold period is over you have (1) day to confirm. If the date is not confirmed within that day, the date will be given to whoever submits the required materials first.
The MAH is happy to provide a list of preferred caterers who are familiar with our facility and operating procedures, but you are not limited to using these businesses. We highly recommend working with the food vendors at Abbott Square Market for menu options. We can also provide contacts for local floral, audio visual, photography, or entertainment services.
A walk-through must be scheduled with the client, caterer, sub-contracted vendors available, and the MAH Events Coordinator at least (2) weeks prior to the contracted event.
Due to liquor licensing and liability, all alcohol consumed on MAH property must be purchased and served through the MAH’s exclusive beverage partner, Front & Cooper, located at Abbott Square Market, immediately next to the MAH.
Front & Cooper can provide clients with a number of bar options, ranging from hosted bar or beer and wine only bar, to all-inclusive bar packages. You can also inquire about creating custom cocktails with the Front & Cooper management team.
Totally up to you, but we highly recommend it. Our exhibitions are pretty great, but food and drink are not allowed in any of the gallery spaces. See what's coming up and will be on view during your rental here.
Possibly, but it is not guaranteed. We can typically accommodate early drop-offs and overnight storage, but it all depends on the MAH event schedule for the week. Please coordinate with your MAH contact before scheduling any materials, supplies, or rentals drop-off or storage for your event.
Load-in/setup/breakdown is the responsibility of the client and must be scheduled with the MAH Events Coordinator no less than 30 days prior to the event. Long term parking is prohibited at the museum’s loading dock. All vehicles must be moved immediately after delivery or load in. Breakdown must occur immediately after the event, and all personal items, rental items, and decorations must be removed from the event spaces. If additional time is used for load-in/setup/breakdown, or if breakdown does not occur immediately after the event, additional fees will be charged.
No, the client is responsible for providing their own event support (e.g., event planners, caterers, and production personnel), guest services staff (e.g. greeters, coat checkers, volunteers, etc.), and any event rental needs beyond the MAH’s in-house amenities.
In addition, the client is responsible for all event setup and cleanup, including trash removal (during and after the event), recycling, and table and chair setup and breakdown. All rental events include one (1) MAH staff member present as a point of contact for the duration of the event.
Yes, midnight is our curfew. In accordance with the Santa Cruz City Noise Ordinance, there should not be any loud music from 10pm-8am. We like our neighbors, so we thank you for taking this seriously and being a courteous host.
There are two paid parking structures half a block away from the museum.
The Soquel/ Front Streets Parking Garage is located on the corner of Soquel Avenue and Front Street. The lot is paid hourly parking at a rate of $2 per hour, or $16 for the entire day.
The River/ Front Streets Garage is located between River and Front Streets next to the Galleria Office Complex. The lot is paid hourly parking at a rate of $2 per hour, or $16 for the entire day.
The MAH has a driveway reserved for supply drop off only. You must coordinate the use of this space with your Event Coordinator.
