Sheldon Museum of Art is one of Nebraska's most architecturally stunning venues. Whether hosting a lecture for 250 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
ChadCRG Images
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
75 guests seated in rows
Capacities will vary based on the placement of sculpture at the time of your event.
Guidelines
Our events team will share a complete list of guidelines as your booking is considered. Here are some highlights:
No red wine or punch, dark sauces or berries, or beer kegs allowed in the museum or surrounding grounds.
Food and drink must remain in the Great Hall and cannot be taken into the individual galleries. No open beverage containers are permitted to leave the building.
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.
Guidelines
Our events team will share a complete list of guidelines as your booking is considered. Here are some highlights:
Food and drink must remain in the Great Hall and cannot be taken into the individual galleries or the auditorium.
Backpacks and other large bags are restricted in the auditorium in order to adhere to fire code and for the protection of the art. You may store these items in our Visitor Services Center while attending the event.
Sheldon’s A/V equipment is included in the rental fee. For A/V needs beyond microphones, an A/V technician will be brought in to support the event at an additional cost.
Olga Nielsen Sheldon Board Room
The Olga Nielsen Sheldon Board Room is an intimate space, ideal for small meetings. Food and nonalcoholic beverages may be catered. A projector and screen are available for presentations. Seating is fixed.
Capacity
Informal seating for up to 18 guests
Guidelines
Our events team will share a complete list of guidelines as your booking is considered. Here are some highlights:
No red wine or punch, dark sauces or berries, or beer kegs allowed in the museum or surrounding grounds.
Food and drink must remain in the board room and cannot be taken into the individual galleries.
General Information
What makes an event at Sheldon unique?
Sheldon is foremost an academic art museum housing a renowned collection of nearly 13,000 works in diverse media. Galleries will be open during your event so that you may experience the museum’s exhibitions. Due to the complexities of safely moving works of art, we are unable to accommodate requests for adding or removing works from the galleries or Great Hall.
How much does it cost to book Sheldon?
Fees vary based on the space and the scope of your event. Contact Kaarina Meyer, event operations manager, for a personalized estimate.
In addition to a rental fee for the venue, you will also be responsible for personnel costs. Sheldon staff will always be on site during your event to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
For all indoor events, the rental fee includes use of our tables, chairs, and other furnishings.
Renting Sheldon does not include cost or coordination of catering , linens, décor, outdoor furniture and anything needed to supplement our existing inventory.
Does Sheldon require specific caterers?
The University of Nebraska works with a variety of professional caterers and can provide a list of vetted and approved caterers and alcohol vendors.
