Sheldon Museum of Art is one of Nebraska's most architecturally stunning venues. Whether hosting a lecture in the Ethel S. Abbott Auditorium or an intimate gathering in the Great Hall, you will enjoy a memorable experience in this celebrated historic venue.
Great Hall
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Sheldon's Great Hall is a grand, two-story atrium flooded with floor-to-ceiling natural light, providing an elegant backdrop for small affairs. The Great Hall is best suited for intimate cocktail receptions and small ceremonies.
Capacity
50 guests for a mixed-seating, cocktail-style reception
50 guests for a small ceremony and mixed-seating, cocktail-style reception
75–140 guests seated in rows
100 for a standing, cocktail-style reception
Capacities will vary based on the placement of sculpture at the time of your event.
Ethel S. Abbott Auditorium
The auditorium is ideal for lectures, film screenings, performances, and events that require audiovisual equipment.
Capacity
Fixed seating for 294
Off-stage, private dressing rooms are available for performers and presenters.
General Information
Sheldon is foremost an academic art museum housing a renowned collection of nearly 13,000 works in diverse media. Galleries may be open during your event for your guests to experience the museum’s exhibitions. Due to the complexities of safely moving works of art, however, we are unable to accommodate requests for adding or removing works from the galleries or Great Hall.
Fees vary based on the space and the scope of your event. Contact Kaarina Meyer, event operations manager, for details.
In addition to a rental fee for the venue, you will be responsible for personnel costs. Sheldon staff will always be on site during your event to ensure a safe environment.
The rental fee includes use of our tables, chairs, and other furnishings.
Renting space at Sheldon does not include cost or coordination of catering, linens, décor, outdoor furniture, or anything needed to supplement our existing inventory.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln works with a variety of professional caterers. We will provide you with a list of vetted and approved catering and alcohol vendors.
