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Facility Rental

Select spaces may be rented by University of Texas faculty, staff members, and affiliated groups for presentations, meetings, receptions, lectures, and screenings.

Priority is given to uses that align with the Ransom Center's mission and that provide educational value or benefit.

Submission of the request form does not ensure a reservation—a Ransom Center staff member will contact you to finalize the request.

  • Available Spaces

    Spence Lobby
    Spence Lobby
     
    Capacity: 86
    Rate: $150/hour
    After-Hours*: $250 per hour

    North Atrium
    North Atrium
    Capacity: 60
    Included w/ Spence Lobby

    Second Floor Atrium
    Second Floor Atrium
    Capacity: 90
    Rate: $150/hour
    After-Hours*: $250 per hour

    Lobby and Theater
    Spence Lobby &
    Prothro Theater

    Capacity: 324
    Rate: $200/hour
    After-Hours*: $350

    South Atrium
    South Atrium
    Capacity: 52
    Included w/ Spence Lobby

    Additional Fees

    All events require one hour of setup time and 30 minutes for breakdown. Most events require a guard and custodian.

    Prothro Theater
    Prothro Theater
     
    Capacity: 126
    Rate: $100/hour
    After-Hours*: $200/hour

    Galleries
    Galleries
    Capacity: 459
    Included w/ Spence Lobby

    *After-Hours

    If any portion of the event runs outside of business hours, the event will be charged the "after-hours" rate.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    The Ransom Center is a unique and enriching location for events. When considering space use requests, the Ransom Center's top priority is to preserve and provide public access to the materials in its collections. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

    Who may reserve event spaces at the Ransom Center?

    University of Texas departments and offices interested in hosting a reception, lecture, screening, or meeting at the Ransom Center may submit a request form. Every space reservation will require a University account number for payment. Non-University organizations may apply for space use only if they have a University sponsor.

    What types of spaces are available?

    For photos and capacities of meeting rooms and reception spaces available for University use, please see rental spaces and fees.

    Does submitting the request guarantee my reservation?

    No, the request must be approved by Ransom Center staff. You will receive an email approving or denying your request within two weeks of submission. You must respond to this email to confirm your reservation.

    Will the Ransom Center close to accommodate my event?

    The first and second floors are open to the public during regular business hours. The galleries will remain open during operating hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The galleries remain open during after-hours rental events pending prior approval.

    Does the Ransom Center provide tables, chairs, and linens for receptions or dinners?

    No, the Center does not provide tables, chairs, or linens for public use. If required, please request these items from your caterer or through the University. You or your caterer will be required to set up and take down any furniture you request for the event. The University of Texas Facilities Division provides event support for faculty and staff. The Center can provide a limited number of chairs and tables strictly as stage furniture in the Prothro Theater. You are encouraged to visit in advance of your event to confirm that the furniture provided will meet your needs.

    Are food and beverages permitted?

    Food and beverages are permitted in certain spaces available for University use with the exception of gallery spaces, second-floor seminar rooms and the Prothro Theater. Alcohol may be served if the sponsoring department obtains the necessary permission from the Provost's Office. If alcohol will be served, your caterer must provide a TABC-certified bartender to staff the event. Please see the University of Texas alcohol policies for more information.

    Catering

    If food is being served, a licensed, professional catering company must be hired. These caterers have previously worked events at the Ransom Center:

    Bespoke Food LLC
    Contigo Catering
    Gourmet Gals
    Lucky Lab
    O's Campus Café
    Spoon & Co
    Word of Mouth

    Florists

    Mountain Laurel Floral
    Rosehip Flora

    Are there any restrictions on activities, decorations, or personal that may be brought in?

    Balloons, candles, and/or confetti are not permitted inside the Ransom Center. No signage or paper may be taped on any wall. Floral arrangements are acceptable. Live music is acceptable in certain areas. Please contact Events for more information. The Ransom Center restricts the type of personal belongings that may be brought into galleries, teaching spaces and the Reading and Viewing Room. For details, see the Reading and Viewing Room Guidelines, and Materials Use Policy.

    Storage of handguns is not allowed in Ransom Center lockers or other areas. For questions concerning concealed carry on campus, please refer to the University Handbook of Operating Procedures, and the Campus Carry website.

    Can I change my request after it has been approved?

    Any desired changes in start/end time, required equipment, or location within the Ransom Center must be submitted for review no later than three (3) weeks before the scheduled event. The Ransom Center does not guarantee the accommodation of any additional request (even when made three weeks prior) aside from those listed and approved on the original request.

    What is your cancellation policy?

    Organizations canceling an event with less than one-week notice will be charged any applicable fees (including guard and custodian fees) that the Ransom Center incurs on their behalf.

    What if the University closes?

    If the University officially closes due to inclement weather or emergency, any events scheduled will be cancelled. The Ransom Center will work with organizations to reschedule events (if feasible) in a timely manner.

    Can my reservation be cancelled by the Ransom Center?

    The Ransom Center reserves the right to cancel a reservation if the President of the University or the Director of the Ransom Center schedules a conflicting event.

  • Request Form

    Submit this completed form to request a rental space reservation. Please Note: Submission of this form does not ensure a reservation, and a Ransom Center staff member will contact you to finalize your request. There is NO reservation until an official confirmation is received. See available spaces for base rates and please note that additional guard and custodial costs apply to most after-hours requests. If you have questions, please email us.

    This form cannot be used to request Seminar Rooms or Third Floor conference rooms.

    Event Title*

    UT Department*

    UT Account #

    Contact Person*

    Phone*

    Email*

    Date (First Choice)*

    Date (Second Choice)

    Start Time*
    excluding setup

            AM         PM

    End Time*

            AM         PM

    Number of guests*

    Event Description*

    Technical Requirements

    Is rehearsal time needed?  
            Yes       How much?
            No

    Are you planning a reception?
            Yes
            No

    Will alcohol be served?
            Yes
            No

    Spaces Needed check all that apply
            Spence Lobby (includes North Atrium, South Atrium, and Galleries)
            Prothro Theater
            Second Floor Atrium

Spence Lobby