Private Use Policies

Private Use Policies

To allow visitors to fully experience the museum, private events are generally scheduled to take place outside of the museum’s regular hours of operation. Availability is limited for certain dates between October and April. The maximum event time for private events is four hours, beginning no earlier than 8 a.m. and ending no later than 10 p.m., unless otherwise approved.

Food and beverage options are available from a list of museum-preferred caterers. The rental of tables, chairs and linens is the responsibility of the event organizer.

The use of flower petals, glitter, confetti, tinsel, rice or birdseed for décor is prohibited. Open flame is restricted to the use of Sterno for buffet items, and battery-operated candles must be substituted for open-flame candles.

Free public parking is available in a city-owned garage located beneath the museum. Guests arriving via bus/limo transportation may be dropped off at the front entrance. Transit-convenient parking is available nearby.

Potential clients may place a 30-day hold on tentative event dates. After 30 days, if no confirmation from the client is received, all held dates will be automatically released. If the client would like to extend the hold period they may do so for up to two additional 30-day periods, and must contact the museum to confirm the extension at the end of each 30-day period. No dates will be held beyond 90 days.

The museum was built and is owned by the City of Scottsdale, and is managed and operated by Scottsdale Museum of the West, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As such, the museum is restricted from hosting fundraising events for other organizations. Additionally, a gap charge may be applicable for events that begin after museum closing times.