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Photo by John Wadsworth

Event rentals

Private Event Rentals

The Barry Art Museum provides a sophisticated venue for private events. The museum’s modern architecture, highlighted by a 40-foot-tall glass facade and a striking Dale Chihuly chandelier above the monumental staircase, creates a visually stunning environment. Located at the gateway to Old Dominion University’s campus, it offers urban convenience and cultural prestige.

Choose the Barry for your next event and enjoy…

– Competitive pricing
– Easy access to/from highways and main thoroughfares to downtown
– State-of-the-art facilities
– Support from top local vendors
– Practical amenities to complement the aesthetic appeal
– Private tours of our unique collection unlike any other museum in the region
– Convenient parking (included with rental)
– Walking distance to campus
– Shopping and dining on Monarch Way

More Information Video Link

Hosting an event

Pricing:

Tuesday-Thursday: $4,500 (First floor only: $2,500)

Friday-Saturday: $5,500 (First floor only: $3,500)

Sunday-Monday: $5,000 (First floor only: $3,000)

Holidays are subject to additional fees.
Members receive additional discounts for weekend-long booking. Terms apply.

Questions? Contact us barryartmuseum@odu.edu!

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ODU Departments and Student Organizations: Contact the Marketing & Events Manager for special pricing. The Barry Art Museum is a separate Foundation and is considered off-campus. Off-campus locations are not covered by the University’s insurance.

Liability insurance must be obtained for private event rentals. Please contact the ODU Office of Risk Management for securing insurance coverage.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Capacity subject to change based on current exhibition and room setup.

The Sculpture Court is our main event space on the ground floor. At 150-person capacity, it features clean, modern lines, a Howard Ben Tre fountain, and opens onto a landscaped terrace. The glass wall illuminates the interior and exterior at night, enhancing the atmosphere.

The landscaped terrace offers a picturesque setting overlooking a fountain pond, with a capacity of 50 guests. The second-floor mezzanine space has two galleries and a lecture area (seats 50 guests), as well as a quiet nook for smaller gatherings or children’s space.

Private Event Setup at Barry Art Museum Photo by John Wadsworth

1. First floor Sculpture Court (2 galleries)

  • 80 guests for a seated dinner
  • 100 guests for a standing reception
Private Event Setup at Barry Art Museum Photo by John Wadsworth

2. First and Second floors (4 galleries)

No food and beverages allowed on Second Floor
  • 80 guests for a seated dinner (dinner first floor only)
  • 150 guests for a standing reception
Table setup on Terrace For Private Event at The Barry Art Museum Photo by John Wadsworth

3. Terrace (outdoors)

Available only when reserved in addition with First floor Sculpture Court
  • 50 guests for standing reception
  • Dance floor and tenting available for additional fee
Private Event in The Barry Art Museum Photo by John Wadsworth

4. Second Floor Lobby with Wall Monitor/Podium

Lecture, Meeting, or Presentations
  • 50 guests for seated or standing

Details :

The Museum closes to the general public at 5:00 PM.
Standard rental times are between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM, with doors opening for event guests at 5:30 PM.

FAQ

What does the rental fee cover?

The rental fee covers the facility and all necessary event staffing.

Our fees are based on a total number of hours for the event. For example, a total of 6-hours is broken down to 1 hour and 30 minutes load in, a 3-hour event, and 1 hour and 30 minutes load out. Included in the rental fee is event staff comprised of Housekeeping, Security, Special Events Manager, and Gallery Hosts. Rates will be furnished at the time of the request.

ODU Departments & Affiliates will receive a discounted rate and will be charged to the ODU Department Budget code.


wePhoto by John Wadsworth
Is catering provided by Barry Art Museum?

No, you will be able to choose from a list of preferred caterers who will be glad to assist you with tables, chairs, linens, plates, silverware, ABC license, and bar service. Only the preferred caterers may be used in the Museum.

May I bring my own flowers?

No, you will be able to choose from the list of preferred florists. They are knowledgeable of the Museum’s policy regarding the hazards of introducing insects into the Museum through floral arrangements.

Will there be a contact person on-site during my event?

Yes, a Special Events Manager and the event staff will be present for your entire event.

What is Liability Insurance?

Liability Insurance is a short-term special events insurance coverage. The client agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Barry Art Museum, Old Dominion University (ODU) Museum Foundation, ODU, their Board of Directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims, suits, damages, costs and expenses arising from liability or loss for injury or death to persons or damages to property caused by any act or omission unless such an act or omission is due to the sole negligence of the Museum. The insurance must be with an insurance company licensed to do business in the state of Virginia. The insurance is required prior to the event. For more information regarding the liability insurance, please refer to the rental contract.

ODU Departments and ODU Student Organizations, please contact the Old Dominion University Office of Risk Management for securing insurance coverage.

Thank you for including the Barry Art Museum in your plans.

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