The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a unique place to host your upcoming event. Our iconic building, with the treasured Chihuly shining bright in the foyer, a world-class art collection, and rotating exhibitions in the galleries is sure to make your event distinct. Located in vibrant downtown Kalamazoo, the KIA is unparalleled in the region as the location to host events of all sizes. From large receptions, weddings, alumni gatherings, and special events for your business to more intimate dinners and meetings, the KIA has the space to make your event special.

For more information and to find out about space availability please fill out the form below, email , or call the events coordinator, Nancy Waldoch at 269-585-9229.

KIA membership is required to take advantage of KIA facilities rental opportunities. The membership eligibility level for individuals begins at the Patron level, for businesses at the Contributor level and non-profit membership levels are based on your organization’s annual operating budget. Learn more about the KIA’s membership program here.

A group of people, dressed for a prom, prepares to enter the KIA.
A wedding party stands in front of a Kirk Newman sculpture outside the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
KIA Auditorium

Auditorium

Capacity: 392 (220 seated)

A large, open concept, classically designed wood paneled room with soaring ceilings, hard wood floors and ambient lighting. Comes equipped with Sound and AV capabilities and ensures privacy.

This private space can be used alone or in conjunction with Lobby, School Commons and Courtyard.

Lobby

Capacity: 210 (125 seated)

The grand, primary entrance into the museum with natural light provides convenient access for you and your guests to enjoy all of the KIA’s amenities.

May be used on its own or in conjunction with the Auditorium and/or the School Commons and Courtyard during non-public Museum hours.

School Commons

Capacity: 117 (60 seated)

An intimate area (an extension of the Lobby) featuring floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Courtyard.

May be used in conjunction with the Lobby, Courtyard, or Lobby and Auditorium during non-public Museum hours.

Courtyard

Capacity: 200

Flexible space offering private outdoor setting in the heart of downtown.

Maybe used on its own or in conjunction with the School Commons, Lobby, and/or Auditorium.

Multi-Purpose Classroom

Capacity: 56 standing (30 seated)

This versatile classroom has a wall of floor to ceiling windows, built in projector and screen capabilities and a sink.

Board Room

Capacity: 16 at table with 15 in perimeter seating

Located on the second floor featuring a large table, projector and drop-down screen, a selection of art from the KIA’s permanent collection and comfortable seating.

Conference Room

Capacity: 8

Located on the second floor this room is ideal for smaller groups with comfortable seating and art from the KIA’s permanent collection.

Details and disclosures: 

  • To be eligible to rent the KIA a membership is required. For an individual that would be at the Patron Level ($250 annually). For a business it is at the Contributor Level ($1,000 annually) and the non-profit rate is a sliding scale dependent on the annual budget size of the organization.
  • Evening rates are for block rental which includes access to the reserved area(s) for up to 7 hours on one specified day. This includes set-up and clean-up for the event. One hour must be reserved after the scheduled end of the event for clean-up and load out. If additional time is needed beyond 7 hours that can be added at an hourly rate.
  • Public museum hours are from 11am to 5pm Wednesday thru Saturday and noon-4pm Sunday. Private events may begin AFTER public closing, ideally 30 minutes after closing. All events must be concluded by 11pm and clean-up must conclude by midnight. 
  • Daytime rentals are billed hourly for the full use of space, from set-up through clean-up. Thirty minutes is required at the end of the event for clean-up, 1 hour required if food and drink is served.
  • Daytime rentals are reserved with the understanding that all public spaces are shared including but not limited to the Lobby/ main entrance, School Commons, galleries, coat-room, and restrooms.
  • The KIA is working on a preferred vendor list and will share this when it is complete. Until the list is complete we are open to connecting with the vendors of your choice to ensure that they are a good match for working within a museum setting. Please note: per the contract all caterers must show proof of up to date licensing and insurance.
  • The KIA does not hold a liquor license, if alcohol is served that licensing would need to be held by the caterer. Alcohol may not be sold, any alcohol would need to be shared without fee and within the laws and restrictions of city, county and state ordinances. All alcohol distribution must conclude 30 minutes before the scheduled end of the event.
  • The KIA requires renters to carry event liability insurance with an alcohol distribution addendum if alcohol is served.

Some perks! 

  • Both the South Street and Lovell Parking lots are available for free guest parking on a first come, first serve basis  (100+ spaces total).
  • Scheduled viewing in the KIA’s world class galleries for your guests during evening/ block rate rentals is included with the rental fee for standard exhibits. For daytime rentals, the KIA will provide gallery stickers for the estimated number of guests attending your event, all event guests are required to have gallery stickers/passes to enter the galleries.  Please note: food and beverages are not allowed in the galleries at any time! 
  • Set up of all KIA equipment used is included with the rental rates. 
  • The attached document specifies KIA equipment that is included for possible use with rentals; tables, chairs, projector and screen as well as sound/A.V. equipment as well as the KIA’s Set-up and Teardown Policies.

Send an Inquiry

Rental Inquiry