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.
Rental space in the museum may be used for private, invitation-only events that are neither open to nor promoted to the public. All rental event activities, including setup, must take place outside the museum’s regular public hours.
Rental space in the museum may not be used for political, religious, or fundraising events.
Rental fees vary based on the space and the scope of the event. The client will also be responsible for personnel costs. Sheldon staff will always be on site during rental events to ensure a safe environment.
Renting space at Sheldon does not include the cost or coordination of catering, linens, décor, select furniture, or anything needed to supplement the museum's 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.
