WHERE CAN GUESTS PARK FOR THE EVENT?
Bellevue Arts Museum has a complimentary underground parking garage that holds up to 68 parking spaces, including four designated disabled spots. The garage entrance is located adjacent to the Museum and can be entered when heading north on Bellevue Way NE. Additional public lots can be found in the area surrounding the Museum.
WHAT ARE THE EVENT HOURS? DOES THIS TIME INCLUDE SET-UP AND CLEAN-UP?
The Museum Forum, Auditorium, Community Education Gallery, Galleries, and the Court of Light are available to rent when the Museum is closed to the public. The Auditorium space is available to rent by the hour during most public hours.
We allot 6 hours total for Forum and Court of Light events: 2 hours for set-up, 3 hours for the event with guests, and 1 hour for clean-up. For additional set-up or clean-up time, please speak with the Special Events Manager.
| Tuesday - Sunday | 11am - 5pm |
| Free First Friday | 11am - 8pm |
| Monday | Closed to the public, available for rental |
CAN GUESTS VIEW THE GALLERIES WHEN RENTING THE MUSEUM?
Forum and Court of Light rental fees include admission to the Museum galleries. We encourage all guests to view the exhibitions. Food and beverages are not allowed in the galleries.
During Museum hours, gallery admission is available to Auditorium renters at group rates. Please speak with the Special Events Manager to reserve admission passes for your guests. Auditorium evening rental fees do not include admission to the museum galleries.
WHAT EXHIBITION AND ART WILL BE ON DISPLAY WHEN I HAVE MY EVENT?
Exhibitions at Bellevue Arts Museum change frequently. We cannot guarantee that art will not change between time of booking and the event. Please speak with the Special Events Manager about which exhibitions will be on display.
To view current and upcoming exhibition information, please visit the exhibitions pages >
WHAT OTHER COSTS WILL I INCUR BESIDES THE RENTAL FACILITY CHARGE?
A 10% net food and beverage charge is assessed by the Exclusive Caterers and paid to Bellevue Arts Museum. Auditorium rental outside Museum hours will incur additional security fees.
OTHER POSSIBLE COSTS?
A refundable security deposit of $500, in addition to the rental fee and non-refundable deposit is also required. A credit card must be provided for all security deposits. The security deposit will be held for costs incurred by Bellevue Arts Museum in relation to your event. This may include, but is not limited to: restoration of the Museum to the original condition, damage caused by the Venue User during the period of the event, overtime hours incurred by Museum Security and/or Museum Personnel. If part or all of the refundable security deposit is withheld, an explanation will be sent within two weeks of the event. No date shall be deemed to be "reserved" until the non-refundable deposit is received and transacted by Bellevue Arts Museum.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO CANCEL MY EVENT?
In the event that the Venue User cancels the event less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date, 25% of the estimated costs will be charged. Refunds are processed after the date of the event.
Changing a date is treated as a cancellation, therefore the above penalties will apply. Rebooking the event will incur new charges at the prevailing rate.
If the Venue User cancels the function within two weeks of the scheduled date, full charges will be assessed.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellations due to weather are non-refundable.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CATERER THAN ONE THAT IS LISTED ON YOUR EXCLUSIVE CATERING LIST?
All food and beverage service, including alcohol, must be provided and served only through one of the Museum's Exclusive Caterers. Outside food or catering is not permitted.
Exceptions apply if the Venue User and their guests require a full kosher meal, or to meet dietary needs that one of our 5 Exclusive Caterers cannot provide.
WHAT KIND OF DECORATIONS CAN I HAVE AT MY EVENT?
All decorations, signage, and art projects must be approved two weeks in advance from the date of the event. Click here to download the Bellevue Arts Museum Special Events Guidelines or ask the Special Events Manager. Glitter and/or helium balloons are not permitted. All candles must be placed in votives or vases. Open flames are prohibited.
IS THERE A PLACE FOR GUESTS TO SMOKE DURING THE EVENT?
Bellevue Arts Museum is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the Museum. Guests wishing to smoke may do so on the northeast side of the building where ashtrays are located.
CAN GUESTS TAKE PICTURES OR RECORD VIDEOS OF THE ART?
We do not own any of the artwork that is displayed. Photography or videography of any artwork is prohibited and is considered copyrighted. Photography or videography of guests is allowed. If artwork appears in the background of the photograph or video, that is acceptable.
WHEN RENTING THE MUSEUM WHAT EQUIPMENT IS INCLUDED?
Depending on which venue rental package you select, Bellevue Arts Museum has the following equipment available:
| MUSEUM EQUIPMENT |
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| FORUM OR OTHER PUBLIC AREAS |
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| AUDITORIUM EQUIPMENT |
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Images (left to right): Photo: Derya San Photography; Photo: Lisa Dupar Catering; Photo: Dan DeLong/Red Box Pictures

