Rentals
Light-filled galleries, art-filled gardens, expansive terraces with panoramic views: the Walker campus is an award-winning architectural wonderland unfolding over 19 pristine acres. Almost every inch is available for your next event.
Spaces
Amid beautiful galleries, the Walker offers unique spaces to host indoor and outdoor private rentals for artful celebrations, refined receptions, unforgettable weddings, and state-of-the-art corporate events. Our iconic building features flexible spaces with high-tech amenities for nearly any size gathering—including a theater, street-level and roof-top terraces, plazas, gardens, and lounges. Hosting your event at the Walker also offers amenities you won’t find anywhere else: free gallery admission, a private exhibition tour for your guests, a mini-golf outing for an afternoon away from the office, or a cocktail reception with a private screening of the British Arrows Awards to spice up your annual holiday party.
Garden Terrace Room and Terrace
The 180-degree views of Minneapolis and the Sculpture Garden, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private outdoor terraces (opening in April, weather permitting) make this a unique venue for an indoor/outdoor wedding or corporate event.
Capacity
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Reception: 240
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Plated: 100; Buffet: 80
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Theater: 208; Classroom: 75
Walker Cinema and McGuire Theater
The Walker Cinema and McGuire Theater (main floor + balcony, and advanced technical capabilities) provide state-of-the-art spaces for film screenings, lectures, performances, and other events.
Capacity
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McGuire Theater: 385
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Walker Cinema: 340
Crosby Conference Room
A flexible meeting space with high ceilings and Sculpture Garden views, this space features a modular table, built-in projector, and adjustable lighting for meetings or intimate gatherings.
Capacity
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Reception: 100
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Plated: 50; Buffet: 50
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Classroom: 50; Theater 70
Skyline Room
High above the bustle of Hennepin Avenue, the Skyline Room offers breathtaking views of downtown Minneapolis and includes built-in AV capabilities, making it perfect for weddings, receptions, and meetings.
Capacity
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Reception: 380
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Plated: 240; Buffet: 180
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Classroom: 160; Theater 240
Cityview Room
Enjoy private dining in your own restaurant. Bar seating, floor-to-ceiling windows with Minneapolis skyline views, and outdoor dining on the terrace provide the perfect atmosphere to host a cocktail party or dinner for any occasion.
Capacity
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Reception: 150
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Plated: 90; Buffet: 100
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Classroom: 160; Theater 240
Lounges
The Walker’s iconic architecture, light-filled lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, and adjacent galleries provide a modern backdrop for a variety of special events.
Capacity
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Main Floor: 600 Reception, 250 Plated, 200 Buffet
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General Mills Hennepin Lounge: 200 Reception, 100 Plated, 80 Buffet
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Cargill Lounge: 250 Reception, 150 Plated, 120 Buffet
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Bazinet Lobby: 200 Reception, 68 Plated, 55 Buffet
Galleries
Private exhibition access gives your guests an experience only the Walker can offer. The galleries can be rented in conjunction with other spaces to entertain your guests with food, drink, and the latest Walker exhibitions.
Capacities
Choose the setup that fits your event: theater-style seating with forward-facing chairs; classroom-style with tables and chairs on one side; reception-style with high tops and standing room; buffet-style with seated tables and self-serve dining; or plated for formal, seated meal. Capacities are only a guide and are approximate.
Complimentary tables come in the following sizes: 6 ft. or 8 ft., 30 in. or 36 in. high cocktail tables, 66 in. round tables (seats 8 to 10), and classroom tables. Limited quantities available per size.
Event Spaces
| Theater | Classroom | Buffet | Plated | Reception (MAX) | Sq. Ft | |
| Skyline Room | 240 | 160 | 180 | 220 | 380 | 3,100 |
| Cityview Room | NA | NA | 70 | 70 | 150 | 1,600 |
| Garden Terrace Room | 208 | 75 | 80 | 100 | 240 | 1,700 |
Presentation Spaces
| Theater | Classroom | Buffet | Plated | Reception (MAX) | Sq. Ft | |
| McGuire Theater | 385 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 2,685 |
| Walker Cinema | 340 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1,100 |
Reception Spaces
| Theater | Classroom | Buffet | Plated | Reception (MAX) | Sq. Ft | |
| Cargill Lounge | 130 | NA | 120 | 150 | 250 | 1,750 |
| General Mills Hennepin Lounge | NA | NA | 80 | 100 | 200 | 1,860 |
| Bazinet Main Lobby | NA | NA | NA | NA | 200 | 2,500 |
| Main Floor (Bazinet Main Lobby, Hennepin Lounge, Cargill Lounge) | NA | NA | 200 | 250 | 600 | 3,610 |
Meeting Space
| Theater | Classroom | Buffet | Plated | Reception (MAX) | Sq. Ft | |
| Crosby Conference Room | 70 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 100 | 800 |
Event Types
Meetings and Events
Parties and Celebrations
Weddings
Planning an event or want to see the space?
Questions? Contact our team at events@walkerart.org or 612-253-3408.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. D’Amico Hospitality is the exclusive caterer for the Walker Art Center. No outside caterers are allowed. Food must be served in conjunction with alcohol service. Bar service will end one-half hour before the end of the event. We reserve the right to discontinue the service of alcoholic beverages at any time during a function.
Rental fees include tables, chairs, standard-length linens, basic room setup and takedown, and standard Walker security during the event. Rental fees are based on a minimum four-hour rental period, plus two hours for event setup and takedown. Event arrival and departure times, as stated in the event contract, are fixed and not subject to negotiation on the day of the event.
Yes! We are available to give tours Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm (by appointment only). Please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Yes, a nonrefundable deposit and signed contract are required to reserve the space, date, and time. The deposit is 50 percent of the rental fee and 30 percent of the estimated food and beverage expenditure. The remainder of the facility rental balance is due in full 45 days prior to the event date, as well as an additional 30 percent of estimated food and beverage expenditures. Full prepayment of estimated food and beverage costs is due 21 days prior to the event and cannot be below the contracted minimum expenditure. Final guarantee is due five days prior and can only be an addition to the contracted minimum, not a reduction.
Yes, there are food and beverage minimums (exclusive of tax and service), which vary based on the event space, day, and time of your event. If the food and beverage revenue falls below the minimum, a charge of 100 percent of the difference will apply. If the food and beverage revenue meets or exceeds that standard, there is no additional charge.
Of course—we pride ourselves on our high level of service.
Parking is available in the underground parking ramp connected to the Walker. Parking validations may be prepaid. There is additional limited street parking available.
Most of our rental spaces are equipped with audiovisual capabilities, to be operated by Walker Event Production staff. The planning and pricing of any special audiovisual, sound, or lighting needs will be coordinated with the help of the Walker’s in-house Event Production team or approved vendors.
Galleries can be rented in combination with the rental of other event space(s). To protect the art on view, food and beverages are not allowed in the exhibition galleries. Private rental is available when the Walker is closed to the public. Galleries are not available for rental during regular business hours, Wednesday through Sunday (11 am–5 pm), or Thursday evenings. Privately guided tours, led by a trained Walker Art Center educator, are available for an additional cost.