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Facility Rentals

The façade and main entrance of the Palo Alto Art Center

The Palo Alto Art Center offers a welcoming, beautiful setting for a wide variety of events. We have both indoor and outdoor spaces available for event rentals.

Palo Alto Art Center Booking Process

You can reserve the Palo Alto Art Center for events up to one (1) year in advance. Submit your application by email or at the Art Center during our regular business hours. Once approved, we will email a permit with event details, rental fees, and the payment plan.

Payment is due upon approval of your application. You may pay in full, or break your payments down into two (2) installments. The first installment is one-half (1/2) of your total rental fees and is due immediately upon approval of your application. You have ten (10) days from application approval to cancel with no cancellation fees. After the ten (10) days has passed, the paid one-half (1/2) of the total rental fees is no longer refundable. The final installment is due no later than thirty (30) days before your event date. Failure to pay by the due dates will result in the immediate cancellation of your event.

You can check the availability of rooms/spaces in person, by phone, or by email. We cannot hold a date until you submit an application.

For tours, please call or email us to schedule an appointment.

Facility Rental Information

Palo Alto Art Center Room and Pricing Information Sheet(PDF, 215KB)

Meeting Room

Resident Rate: $115/hr | Non-Resident Rate: $172/hr

The meeting room is an ideal space for gatherings of 45-50 people. This comfortable room has an audio-visual system and contemporary furnishings. There is space for up to 50 chairs and 8 tables.

Auditorium

Resident Rate: $181/hr | Non-Resident Rate: $272/hr

The auditorium is a historic space that once housed the Palo Alto City Hall Chambers. It is ideal for large gatherings of up to 180 people. The space includes a stage, hardwood floors, audio-visual system, and grand piano rental. It is the perfect venue for a large meeting, concert, wedding, or other gathering. It seats up to 180 people in theater layout or up to 80 dining.

Sculpture Garden

Resident Rate: $144/hr | Non-Resident Rate: $216/hr

The stunning Sculpture Garden features lawn areas, trees, shrubbery, and modern sculptures. The paved space is suitable for outdoor dining. It's an ideal setting for weddings, celebrations, and other gatherings. The garden has a capacity of up to 150 for dining or 300 for a reception.

Historic Courtyard

Resident Rate: $109/hr | Non-Resident Rate: $165/hr

The Historic Courtyard features a brick patio with built-in bench seating. This secluded outdoor area is perfect for parties, receptions, or informal meetings. Approximate capacity: up to 125.

Lobby

Resident Rate: $109/hr | Non-Resident Rate: $165/hr

The lobby is a bright, elegant space ideal for social gatherings and receptions. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete floors, and contemporary lighting. The lobby has space for up to 60 people.

Kitchen

Resident Rate: $48/hr | Non-Resident Rate: $72/hr

The kitchen is available only as a rental add-on. It includes a sink, refrigerator, stove, and counter-space for food preparation.

Rentals of five or more consecutive hours qualify for a 15% discount.

501(c)(3) non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced rates.

Facility Map & Photos

Palo Alto Art Center Facility Map(PDF, 331KB)

Application Resources

Facility Rental Application(PDF, 241KB)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing and received thirty (30) days before the event. One half of rental fees and charges are non-refundable unless the City cancels the permit, wherein a full refund will be made. No refund is given if the cancellation is made less than thirty (30) days before the event. The City reserves the right to cancel an applicant’s permit, if the City deems the facility not usable or unsafe due to natural causes, repair, renovation, or is deemed an unsuitable facility for the event by the City. Changes to previously approved permits may result in cancellation of the permit.