PRIVATE & CORPORATE EVENTS Nothing compares to the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert! The lush grounds and picturesque surroundings of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum provide an iconic backdrop for your special event. The remarkable setting, situated between the Tucson Mountains and Saguaro National Park, is enhanced by regionally inspired catering, charming animal visitors, and thoughtful care and attention from the event staff to create a truly memorable occasion for you and your guests.
DESERT GARDEN The tranquility and natural elegance of the Desert Garden makes it a favorite space for daytime and evening receptions. Beautiful brick work, shaded seating areas, an abundance of desert plants, and the quiet burble of two water features create a welcoming and intimate atmosphere, perfect for mingling. Maximum capacity: 250 for a standing reception. WARDEN OASIS THEATER The Warden Oasis Theater is a fantastic space for large meetings and presentations. Tasteful artwork and fully integrated audio-visual components create an engaging yet professional atmosphere, and the glass-paneled foyer is ideal for registration or a small reception. Maximum capacity: 265.
GREEN ROOM The awe-inspiring view through the Green Room s floor-to-ceiling windows will delight your guests as they arrive for your event. Rolling hills dotted with stately saguaros give way to the majestic Tucson Mountains for an exceptional panorama from this versatile event space. The retractable glass panels open onto a large covered verandah, perfect for cocktail hour or dancing. Maximum capacity: 220 for a seated dinner (indoor & outdoor), 300 for a standing reception (indoor & outdoor). TAYLOR PLAZA Taylor Plaza is situated between the Warden Oasis Theater and the Green Room, just inside the Museum s event entrance. A stunning Ironwood tree is the focal point in this beautifully landscaped outdoor plaza, which can be used independently or in conjunction with either of the adjacent event spaces. Maximum capacity: 200 for a standing reception.
IRONWOOD TERRACES The Museum s year-round restaurant, Ironwood Terraces, provides an evening event space with exceptional flexibility for both formal and informal events. Two interior dining rooms, half a dozen attached patios, and a spacious courtyard provide ample room for your dynamic celebration. The possibilities are endless in this unique, adaptable venue. Maximum capacity: For a seated dinner, 100 (indoor only) to 350 (indoor & outdoor combined); or 450 (indoor & outdoor combined) for a cocktail reception. OCOTILLO CAFÉ The Museum s smaller, seasonal restaurant, the Ocotillo Café recently underwent a complete renovation with brand new paint, flooring and furniture. The cozy dining room and enclosed private patio provide the perfect setting for more intimate dinners, lunch meetings, and small presentations. Maximum capacity: For a seated dinner, 60 (indoor only) to 90 (indoor &outdoor combined); or 125 (indoor & outdoor combined) for a cocktail reception.
WARDEN AQUARIUM Pacific seahorses, Horn sharks, and Spotted garden eels are just a few of the species that are on hand to entertain your guests in the Warden Aquarium. Fourteen fresh and saltwater tanks provide a unique, colorful backdrop for intimate gatherings after public hours. Maximum capacity: 50 for a standing reception. Event Enhancements Desert Experience Treat your guests to an up-close and personal interaction with some of the Museum s educational ambassadors! Visitors during this hour-long experience may include ringtail, North American porcupine, Barn owl, Harris hawk, Chuckwalla lizard, Desert tortoise, or Tiger salamander. A delightful and truly unique addition to your event, and the perfect photo opportunity for your guests. Fees: $400-550 depending on the number of animals presented. Audio/Visual Setup The Museum can provide a portable address system with microphone and/or a screen and projector setup upon request. Includes staff setup and support. Fee: $175. Patio Heaters Four umbrella-style patio heaters are available for the comfort of your guests. Includes propane and setup. Fee: $50 per heater. Prickly Pear Centerpieces Upgrade your tablescape with heart-shaped prickly pear cactus centerpieces! Presented in terracotta pots. For a special touch, add a ribbon in your event colors. Fee: $15 each, to rent. On-Grounds Activities Additional on-grounds activities are available for daytime events including guided tours, behind-the-scenes tours, private animal presentations, art experiences, and team-building scavenger hunts. All activities must be arranged in advance through the Event Specialist. More information and detailed pricing available on request.
DETAILS Catering Packages Rojo Hospitality is the exclusive food and beverage provider of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and specializes in creating culinary experiences and menus reflective of the Sonoran Desert region and your unique event. Entrée options are available starting at $39 per person (plus taxes and service fees). A $5,000 minimum applies for Saturday evening events, and $2,000 for all other evenings. Bar services include local and top shelf selections of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as hosted, partially hosted, and cash bar payment options. The Desert Museum Event Specialist will assist you initially by providing a sample of menu options. Once facilities have been contracted, the Rojo Hospitality catering manager will be your primary contact for specific questions and arrangements. Event Policies Most event spaces are available for both daytime and evening events (some restrictions may apply). Evening events are typically held from 5-9 pm with pre-event access for vendors and setup one hour before the contracted start time. All spaces must be cleaned and vacated one hour after the contracted end time of the event. Facility fees range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the event date and chosen space(s). Discounts may be available when more than one space is rented. Additional fees apply for catering and event enhancements, and in some cases, extra labor costs. The facility fee includes use of space(s) during contracted setup and event time, setup of tables and chairs (specifics vary depending on the event space), standard linens and centerpieces, a dedicated parking area, a special event entrance (accessible by bus), personalized signage to direct your guests, and Museum event staff and security. A signed contract and non-refundable deposit are required to secure an event date and spaces(s). The remaining balance of facility fees is due 30 days in advance of the event. All food and beverage, including bar packages, is arranged through separate contract with the Museum s exclusive, on-site caterer, Rojo Hospitality. Venue Specifications Contact Information DESERT GARDEN Standing Reception 250 WARDEN OASIS THEATER Presentation 265 GREEN ROOM (indoor & outdoor) Dinner 220 Standing Reception 300 TAYLOR PLAZA Standing Reception 200 IRONWOOD TERRACES (indoor & outdoor) Dinner 350 Standing Reception 125 OCOTILLO CAFÉ (indoor & outdoor) Dinner 90 Standing Reception 125 WARDEN AQUARIUM Standing Reception 50 General Museum Information 520.883.2702 info@desertmuseum.org Venue Rental Information & Appointments 520.883.3018 ecoord@desertmuseum.org www.desertmuseum.org Photography: Special thanks to Jay Pierstorff, Kelsey Bigelow Photography, and Tom Spitz.