Rent the Ackland

The Ackland’s mission is the art of understanding. Part of fulfilling this mission is making our building in downtown Chapel Hill available for rent to private groups. If you are interested in renting the Ackland, please read our FAQ below.

Event Rental FAQ

Who can rent the Ackland?

University departments, non-profits, and for-profit organizations may rent the Museum. For individual events please contact the Ackland’s Event Coordinator.

What types of private events happen at the Ackland?

Cocktail parties, happy hours with light refreshments, private lectures, and small dinner parties are ideal in our space. Please look over our capacity chart to understand whether our intimate event space is right for your gathering. We are happy to schedule a walk-through of the space to discuss how we can accommodate your group.

Are any types of events NOT allowed?

Because the Ackland Art Museum is a fragile environment, with limited space and staffing for hosting special events, all use of the Museum facilities must be pre-approved by the Ackland Art Museum and conducted in accordance with the University’s Policy on Use of University Facilities and the Ackland Art Museum Use Policy.

The following activities are prohibited: (a) weddings or related events; (b) political or religious meetings; and (c) fundraising events for organizations other than the Ackland Art Museum.

All exceptions made to these policies regarding use of the Museum facilities are solely at the discretion of the Ackland Art Museum and must be pre-approved.

When can private events be held?

Private events may only be booked outside of The Museum’s normal business hours. The chart below outlines the hours available for private event bookings. The timing below is based on event time only and is not inclusive of set up and break down.

Monday & Tuesday	8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday	8 a.m. – 10 a.m. &	6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday	8 a.m. – 10 a.m. &	6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday	10 a.m. – 1 p.m. &	6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

What is the capacity?

Event Style	Full Museum	ART&	Print Study	Terrace	Courtyard
Auditorium/Theater	N/A	75	N/A	N/A	100
Conference/Family Style	N/A	40	16	66	120
Square (open center)	N/A	36	N/A	N/A	40
U Shape	N/A	40	N/A	N/A	N/A
Classroom	N/A	36	N/A	N/A	N/A
Workshop/Half Rounds	N/A	36	N/A	N/A	72
Seated Dinner / Full Rounds	N/A	60	N/A	90	120
Cocktail Reception	300	100	N/A	100	150

Square Footage	11,618*	900	N/A	1,500^†	1,600^†
* 1,856 sq. ft. is event space (food and beverage allowed)
N/A=Room layout cannot be changed
^†Only includes tentable space

How much does it cost?

For UNC departments and units:
Learn more about pricing for UNC departments and units.
Read our full policy for UNC-hosted events.

For 501(c)(3) non-profits:
Learn more about pricing for 501(c)(3) non-profits.
Read our full policy for non-profit events.For individuals and for-profit organizations:
Learn more about pricing for private events and for-profit organizations.
Read our full policy for private events.

How can my group rent the Ackland?

We thank you for your interest in hosting at the Ackland! Please review our policies and FAQs prior to submission. If the Ackland seems like it will be a good fit for your special event, please fill out the event request form below. For any additional questions, please email [email protected]. Please expect a response to your inquiry within 2-3 business days.

Event Request Form