Rentals

Weddings ♦ Parties ♦ Private Events

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library is the oldest non-profit cultural institution in San Diego. Founded in 1899, the Athenaeum is comprised of three historic buildings: the William Templeton Johnson Library building, the William Lumpkins Rotunda building and the Parker Building, which houses the School of the Arts. In 2007, all three spaces were reclaimed after an extensive renovation and refurbishment.

The Athenaeum makes a beautiful and unique setting for private dinners and parties, receptions and corporate meetings.

The Athenaeum has become an important exhibition space in the San Diego area. There are three elegant gallery spaces: Joseph Clayes III Gallery, Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery, and Max & Melissa Elliott North Reading Room. Installations cannot be moved for special events and artwork must not be touched.

Contact

For rental inquiries for private events, such as weddings, please fill out the request for proposal form below. After submission, you will be contacted by the Operations Associate, Elizabeth Marcano, at (858) 454-5872 or emarcano@ljathenaeum.org.

Event Spaces

The Athenaeum has four main spaces that can hold your reception, ceremony, or event: the Joseph Clayes III Gallery, the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room & Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery, the Max & Melissa Elliott North Reading Room, and our outdoor patio. Rental of the Athenaeum includes all spaces.

Rental Fee Structure for the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (La Jolla)

Pricing:

Parties

Including events, reunions, and weddings. Capacity: up to 200 guests

5-hour minimum rental, Saturday before 5:30 p.m.: $5,500

5-hour minimum rental, Tuesday–Friday before 5:30 p.m.: $4,500

5-hour minimum rental, Sunday (anytime), Monday (anytime), or Tuesday–Saturday after 5:30 p.m.: $4,000

Each additional hour: $350

Facilities assistant fee: $150 base, $50 for each additional hour

Cleaning fee: With catering: $100. Without catering: $50 

Corporate Meetings

Including conferences, corporate events, and meetings. Capacity: up to 100 guests

Hourly rate, Monday–Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.: $400/hour

Hourly rate, at any time Sunday or Monday–Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m.: $500/hour

Terms: 2-hour minimum if no setup and/or AV required; 3-hour minimum if setup and/or AV is needed. If event is during library hours (10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday), event space will be reserved, but the library will not be closed. Jacobs Music Room or Elliott North Reading Room only. Light refreshments only; no catering.

Facilities assistant fee: $50 per hour 

Cleaning fee: $50 

Celebration of Life

Including memorial gatherings. Capacity: up to 100 guests

4-hour minimum rental, Saturday before 5:30 p.m.: $4,250

4-hour minimum rental, Tuesday–Friday before 5:30 p.m.: $3,250

4-hour minimum rental, Sunday or Monday: $3,000

Each additional hour: $300

Facilities assistant fee: $150 base, $50 for each additional hour 

Cleaning fee: With catering: $100. Without catering: $50 

Recording sessions:

$200 per hour

Terms: Mondays only, Jacobs Music Room only; no recording equipment provided; piano fee applies if piano will be used.

Special Event Pricing (other):

Please inquire directly.

Note: All rentals subject to availability.

Discounts: 50% off for qualifying nonprofits*; 10% off for local businesses.
*Organizations must be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and serve the San Diego County community to receive a discounted rental rate.

Variable Fees: 

Piano fee: $400 (covers tuning and cleaning costs) 

Membership fee: If you are not already a member of the Athenaeum, the price of a Family Membership will be added to your rental. For one year from the date of your rental (with the option to renew), you will receive all the benefits of a Family Membership to the Athenaeum. 

Amenities available:

• Chairs

• 6 ft. rectangular tables

• Projector

• Sound system

• Piano (separate fee)

  (Linens not provided)

Rental Fee Structure for the Athenaeum Art Center (Logan Heights)

Pricing:

Bathrooms only: $100/hour

Full facility (excluding Print Studio; 3–12 hours): $250/ hour

Cleaning fee: $50

Facilities assistant fee: $20/hour

Amenities available: Chairs, 6 ft tables. Linens not provided.

Discounts: 50% off for qualifying nonprofits*; 10% off for local businesses.
*Organizations must be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and serve the San Diego County community to receive a discounted rental rate.

FAQs

Additional information:

• A security deposit that is a portion of the fee will be collected at booking to reserve the date and time.

• Additional liability insurance must be obtained by renter for all events.

Explore Past Private Events