Entertaining at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is now booking private events through December 2010. Please note that the rental program will be temporarily suspended beginning January 1, 2011 due to the construction of the museum’s new wing.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has been the scene of elegant entertaining since Isabella Gardner opened her Venetian-inspired palace in 1903. The most elaborate parties in Boston were given in this beautiful venue, surrounded by 30 centuries of art and overlooking a magnificent interior courtyard.

Today, we continue this tradition by offering groups the opportunity to view one of Boston’s most admired collections of art in a private setting when the museum is closed to the public.

Weddings
We regret that we cannot host wedding ceremonies or wedding receptions at the museum. However, rehearsal dinners and engagement parties may be accommodated.

Cocktail Reception for up to 250 guests
Receptions may be held on the first floor in the Spanish Cloister and the East Cloister. The East Cloister overlooks the magnificent central courtyard, where unique horticultural exhibitions accentuate the changing seasons.

Dinner Party for up to 100 guests
The Spanish Cloister provides an intimate setting for the cocktail hour, with the focus on John Singer Sargent's masterpiece El Jaleo. Dinner is served in the East Cloister, looking out onto the spectacular, ever-blooming courtyard.

As part of your reception or dinner party, presentations and special programs may be held in the Tapestry Room, our concert hall, which is decorated with spectacular sixteenth-century tapestries from Brussels.

The museum is happy to arrange a variety of additional services to enhance your visit. Some examples of the à la carte services that we can arrange upon request are: musicians, special lighting, and valet parking. To truly experience the collection we suggest that Museum Educators (docents) be included in your event.