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Frequently Asked
Questions
about Museum Special Events
1. Who can rent the Museum facility?
The Museum is available for rental by Cornell University Departments/Affiliated Groups, Business Organizations, and Private Groups. Because the Johnson Museum is a “high security” facility, certain restrictions may apply when planning Museum events. Please specify whether your proposed event request is university related or a private function, at the time of reserving Museum space.
2. What areas can be rented within the Museum?
At the Top: The Lynch Conference Room
Crowning this amazing building is the sixth floor conference room with a commanding view of Cayuga Lake. The room is available for receptions, luncheons, presentations and dinners. The sixth floor accommodates up to 80 guests for formal dinners and 150 guests for informal functions. The facility includes a cloakroom, kitchen space and restrooms. It measures 45 feet by 30 feet.
Main Lobby Area: The Robert and Helen Appel Lobby
The glass-walled lobby of the Museum is perfect for larger receptions. The two-story ceilings and glass walls create a dramatic open effect that lends elegance to any event. The lobby can accommodate 200 guests. Rental of this area also includes the two lower museum gallery floors (floor 1L and floor 2L) for viewing art exhibits. However, all refreshments must remain in the lobby area during the event. When making reservations for this area, please indicate weather you wish to use the lower two gallery floors for your event.
Open Air: Second Floor Sculpture Court
During the spring, summer, and early fall, the Museum’s Second Floor Sculpture Court is also available for rental. This elegant terrace measures 63 feet by 29 feet, accommodating up to 150 guests, and can be used for live musical performances or receptions. The Sculpture court overlooks Ithaca and Cayuga Lake, and is enhanced by a collection of modern sculpture. Use of the sculpture court, of course, is dependent on good weather. Dancing is also permissible in this area.
Additional Options
For an extra-special event, the entire Museum can be kept open after hours to allow your guests to browse in the galleries. One thousand guests is the maximum attendance for an event when the entire Museum is rented. Private tours of the Museum’s current exhibitions also can be arranged when making reservations.
Event functions requiring food and refreshments are limited to the sixth floor conference room and the main lobby area.
Event functions not requiring food and refreshments may be scheduled for the sixth floor conference room, the main lobby area, and certain gallery areas for browsing and guided tours. Gallery floors are leve l2L, level 1L, 1st floor, 2nd floor, and 5th floor
3. How much does it cost to rent?
Rental charges are determined by the event classification. The categories are Cornell University affiliated events and non-university affiliated events. Also, duration of event, areas to be used and participant count are factors in determining event charges.
Please request a copy of the Rental Charge Sheets.
4. What type of events can happen in each location and what is the maximum capacity allowed?
The Lynch Conference Room (Sixth Floor):
Sit-down luncheons or dinners: 80 people max.
Buffet-style luncheons or dinners: 64 people max.
Stand-up receptions: 150 people max.
Meetings or lectures: 80 people max.
Presentations or mini concerts: 80 people max.
Entire Museum (includes the main lobby area, sixth floor conference room, and all five gallery floors): 1000 people max.
The Robert and Helen Appel Lobby:
Stand-up receptions: 200 people max.
The Robert and Helen Appel Lobby and The Lynch Conference Room (Sixth Floor):
Stand-up receptions: 350 people max.
Second floor sculpture court:
Stand-up receptions, ceremonies, or dancing: 150 people max.
This outdoor space is available, weather permitting, with an alternative space being the main lobby area. This space can be rented alone or in conjunction with other spaces.
5. Is it possible to schedule guided tours of galleries during our event?
Yes! Guided gallery tours are available. Tours are given by Museum education department personnel.
Two types of tours available:
(1) general tours (variety of galleries)
(2) specific exhibition tours (selected galleries)
Note: You can also rent a gallery space for your group to browse on their own during your special event.
6. What caterers can we use for our event?
A Museum-approved caterer must be selected to cater your Museum event. All approved caterers are required to have current health permits, liquor permits (if serving alcoholic beverages), and liability insurance. Also, caterers must be willing to cooperate with Museum personnel as well as follow the facility’s strict security policies and procedures.
Click here for a list of preferred caterers.
Additional Caterers not mentioned may be considered to caterer your event. However, prior approval must be granted by the Museum Special Events Department.
7. What parking facilities are available?
Because of limited parking facilities, the Johnson Museum parking spaces are not available for rental functions between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Parking at our facility is permitted after 5:00 p.m. Special daytime parking arrangements can be made by contacting Cornell Transportation Services at 607-255-4600.
8. What are the typical payment arrangements?
For Cornell departments, remit payment via university journal voucher. Provide the account and object code at event confirmation to the Johnson Museum. For non-Cornell groups, prepayment of estimated event charges must be received prior to the actual event. All checks must be made out to Cornell University.
9. What options do I have regarding types of chairs, tables, etc.?
Executive style arm chairs are available for use.
Rectangular Conference tables: seating 8 people max. (7.5 ft long x 3 ft wide)
Round Circular Conference Tables: seating 7 people max. (5 ft round tables)
10. What room arrangement options do I have?
Numerous options are available and can be discussed with the special events coordinator.
11. What should I do next?
Decide on possible event date(s), estimate participant count, type of event desired, (reception/dinner/luncheon/etc.), and special equipment requests.
Please contact Al Miller, Chief of Security & Special Events Coordinator, for additional information and associated rental charges.
Contact Information:
Al Miller
Chief of Security / Special Events Coordinator
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: 607-254-4653
Fax: 607-255-9940
E-mail: arm13@cornell.edu
Herbert
F. Johnson Museum of Art • Cornell
University
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