This grand two-story atrium combines historic character with timeless elegance. Natural light streams through four large windows, highlighting the striking black marble finishes and eight marble columns that support the mezzanine above. Rich in architectural detail, the space offers a sophisticated setting that reflects the building’s historic significance while remaining welcoming and versatile for a variety of events.

Double doors provide direct access to the auditorium, while lakeside doors open onto a marble portico with sweeping views of Delaware Park and Hoyt Lake. The atrium’s classic design, historic charm, and scenic surroundings create a memorable backdrop for wedding ceremonies, corporate events, and community gatherings.

Capacity:
Seated Event – 100-120
Standing Mixer – 200

Just beyond the State Court, the Portico offers a striking contrast with its white marble architecture and sweeping park views. Inspired by the Parthenon, its ten marble columns and covered roof create an elegant outdoor extension of the State Court, ideal for receptions, cocktail hours, and guest gatherings. A grand staircase leads to a lower terrace featuring a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln, with additional space for bistro seating and outdoor events. Beyond, matching lawn terraces framed by marble retaining walls provide a picturesque setting overlooking Delaware Park.

Extending from the Portico, the grassy terraces provide a beautiful outdoor setting framed by classic marble retaining walls and overlooking the surrounding park landscape. Their symmetrical design complements the building’s historic architecture, creating an elegant backdrop for cocktail hours, ceremonies, photographs, and open-air gatherings. Connected directly to the Portico, the terraces offer guests additional space to enjoy the natural beauty and timeless character of the venue.

Beautifully restored in 2021, in keeping with the building’s original architectural design, this gallery has been reimagined as a distinctive event space. Original columns, skylights, and large glass-paneled doors fill the lower-level gallery with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming setting. The space culminates in a rotunda and park-side entrance that once served as a grand gateway to the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, offering guests a unique connection to the site’s historic legacy.

Capacity: 
Seated Event – 90
Banquet Style – 80 – 100
Standing Mixer – 100+

The Auditorium offers seating for a max of 170 guests, making it ideal for presentations, lectures, performances, ceremonies, and corporate events of any size. Equipped with modern audiovisual capabilities, the space supports a variety of event formats while maintaining the character and elegance of the historic venue. Its intimate scale provides excellent sightlines and an engaging experience for both presenters and audiences.

Capacity: 
Seating for 140 comfortably, 170 max

Non-profits and community based organizations that align with the Museum’s mission looking to host their event or meeting at the Museum can apply for a co-sponsorship for a reduced rental rate. Filling out the application does not guarantee approval.

Pricing:  
Half Day: Waived
Full Day: $500
Additional Hours Fee (for hours outside of standard operating hours): $100 per hour

Apply here for a co-sponsored event.  Application does not guarantee approval.

Our historic building features a diverse range of spaces, perfectly suited for hosting any event.

Please note: This is only an option for events that will not need catering or will utilize drop-off catering. If your event will need full service catering please see our Catered Events drop-down to learn more.

Private Rentals Include:

• Use of Reserved Room(s)
• Portable Podium (For Indoor Use Only)
• TV w/HDMI Hookup
• Auditorium AV: Projector, Laptop, Podium with Mic, 2 Handheld Mics,1 Lapel Mic, Tabletop Mics
  Floor Plan Design/Set-Up Service
• Rain Location for Outside Events

Please note that if your event is being hosted during museum hours, the museum is still open to the public.

Pricing:  
Half Day Rental (4 hours): $600
Full Day Rental (Over 4 hours): $1,200
Additional Hours Fee (for hours outside of standard operating hours): $100 per hour

Please fill out the rental inquiry form if interested in this rental option.

For couples hoping to host their wedding ceremony onsite only (with the reception taking place elsewhere), we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit our inquiry form, and we will be in touch with availability and additional information.

We look forward to learning more about your special day and how we can be a part of it!

Due to our Cherry Blossom Festival we will not host any weddings or private events from April 9th – April 26th, 2027.

Wedding Ceremony Package Includes: 

• Ceremony Space Usage from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• 12:00 PM Ceremony Start Time
• Ceremony Seating and Floor Plan Design/Set-up Service
• Private Wedding Party Pre-Ceremony Spaces
• Rain Location for Outdoor Ceremonies
• Complimentary Onsite Engagement Photography Session With Your Photographer
• Scheduled Rehearsal Time (No Food or Drink)
• Podium and Microphone Access for Indoor Ceremonies

Pricing: $1,200

Please fill out the rental inquiry form if interested in this rental option.

The Museum’s iconic architecture and picturesque Japanese Garden provide a timeless setting for weddings and private events.

For weddings hosting both the ceremony and reception onsite, as well as fully catered private events, all catering and event services are exclusively managed through Tappo.

Wedding Ceremony + Reception, Private Catered Events
Tappo at the Museum
venues@tapporestaurantgroup.com 

**Clients interested in ceremony-only rentals please wedding ceremonies only above

Photos outside the Museum’s building are free of charge. Photography sessions inside the Museum’s spaces such as the State Court, Mezzanine, or stairs are $35 per half hour and can be reserved through the Museum as availability allows.

Interested in reserving a time to take photos inside the museum? Please reach out!

Wedding & Engagement Photos
Kelsey Reed
kreed@buffalohistory.org 

Any photography or wedding inquiries for the Japanese Garden should be directed to the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

Please fill out the rental inquiry form and someone will reach out within a week with more information!

If you are hoping to host an event with full service catering you can book through Tappo directly: venues@tapporestaurantgroup.com 

Photos outside the Museum’s building are free of charge. Photography sessions inside the Museum’s spaces such as the State Court, Mezzanine, or stairs are $35 per half hour and can be reserved through the Museum as availability allows.

Contact Kelsey Reed to book:
kreed@buffalohistory.org 

If you need full-service catering (including staffed food service, buffet attendants, plated meals, alcoholic beverage service, or on-site service) you will have to use our exclusive caterer Tappo Restaurant.

Contact venues@tapporestaurantgroup.com to book directly.

If your event does not need full-service catering, you may use your preferred drop-off caterer or provide your own food/non-alcoholic refreshments.

• Live animals
• Helium balloons
• Items affixed to walls or ceilings, interior or exterior
• Confetti or glitter
• Bubbles
• Sky Lanterns

We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance of your event for maximum date availability; however, we do our best to accommodate shorter turnaround time if availability and staffing allows.