What accommodations do you have for ceremony rehearsal/pre and post-ceremonies?
The museum cannot accommodate rehearsals due to public hours. A walkthrough of the ceremony space 3-5 days before the event date can be arranged during open museum hours. This is limited to the couple, parents, and officiant.
Are docent-led tours available?
There are not currently docent-led tours available. Self-guided tours are permitted.
Of course! Harvard Art Museums will require approval one month before the Wedding.
The names of the early arrivals will need to be provided ahead of time, and access to the Museum will be through the staff entrance one week before the Wedding.
For on-site ceremonies: The wedding party is allowed early access to the Museums for photos starting at 5:45 p.m.
For off-site ceremonies: 6:00 p.m. is the earliest start time and is only for the couple.
The 2nd-floor arcades are available for the couple, and a photographer with a museum attendant to escort the group.
Are there any getting ready/changing rooms?
Unfortunately, Harvard Art Museums has no changing room or space for getting ready.
Supervision of Children
Children must be supervised at all times when at Harvard Art Museums. Children have no additional space to eat, rest, or play.
Are there vendors that you recommend?
Yes, we do! We have an extensive list of partners with whom we have worked and are familiar with Harvard Art Museum’s rules and regulations.
Who manages the event timeline?
Your Event Producer will be the on-site contact for catering throughout your wedding and will coordinate with you or your Event Planner to ensure the timeline runs smoothly.
The Menu + Beverage Tasting
Your event producer will work with you to schedule a date and time for your Tasting.
Tastings are held at the The Catered Affair’s commissary:
70 Ledgewood Place
Rockland, MA
I want to make a last-minute change. What should I do?
Our event production team is ready to ensure every detail is in place. If a change does occur, please let your producer know as soon as possible so they prepare accordingly to provide the best execution day.
Is a museum membership required to host an event?
Yes! The required membership is included in the $5000 rental fee and is activated when the contract is confirmed.
32 Quincy Street, Cambridge
Harvard Art Museums must approve save-the-date cards and invitations to ensure accuracy.
Review Harvard Art Museums Event Policies and Procedures
-No decor may touch the walls of the Museums; they are part of the original architecture and are considered art.
-The wedding ceremony starts at 6:30 pm and the reception at 7:00 PM.
-The Museums’ doors will not open until the start time for your event—no exceptions.
Please make sure that this is communicated to your guests. We prefer not to turn guests away who arrive early.
Vendor Certificate of Insurance
Your vendors must sign the agreements below and return them one month before your event.
All vendors hired for your event must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to the Harvard Art Museums Facility Rentals Manager at least 60 days before your event. It’s your responsibility or that of your representative to ensure completion. If The Catered Affair arranges vendors for you, they’ll handle this. Please see the document below for vendor insurance requirements. We can provide examples of required documents upon request.
-Audio Visual and Lighting Vendor Agreement
-Music and Entertainment Vendor Agreement
-Photo and Video Vendor Agreement
-Venue Instructions and Policies
Please share the venue instructions and policies below with your vendors.
Load-in procedures must follow Harvard Art Museum’s policy, and vendors must follow the museum’s security and operations personnel instructions. If your vendors have questions or want to arrange a pre-event site tour, they can contact the Facility Rentals Manager directly.
What time can we begin set up?
Set up time begins at 5pm
Open to start at 6:30 for Ceremony, 7 pm without ceremony.
Corporate Groups are open to starting at 6:30 pm.
Can we make use of the outdoor garden?
Yes! The outside garden is available as long as the weather permits. We will work together to make a weather call on the day of your event.
Please note that the Garden furniture can not be removed, and tenting is prohibited.
Can Adolphus Busch Hall be rented in conjunction with the Calderwood Courtyard?
Yes! We offer a two-building flow that captures the experience of both venue spaces.
Is air conditioning available in the summer months?
No, unfortunately, Adolphus Busch Hall is not equipped with air conditioning.
Can we use the organ?
Yes! The organ is available for use and is offered only by our list of preferred players who are familiar with it.
Are there any docent-led tours available?
There are not currently docent-led tours available.
What is the venue capacity?
The maximum Capacity is 80 guests, standing or seated.
What is the address for the invitations?
The main address for invitations is 29 Kirkland Street, Cambridge.
Harvard Art Museums must approve save-the-date cards and invitations to ensure accuracy.