Rent Policies

Rental Policies

The Telfair Museum of Art is pleased to allow groups and organizations to use the many spaces available for event rental. The museum’s rental policies and guidelines govern use of the museum and events must be compliance with these requirements. Events may be held after public hours and must be coordinated through Facilities Rental. The Telfair Museum of Art is an art museum as well as a historic site.

To ensure an amazing event in our unique facilities, we have established the following guidelines.

  1. Artwork: The Telfair Museum of Art (TMA) is an art museum as well as a historic site. Artwork of all mediums and content will be on display during your event. While TMA will make every effort to accommodate your event within the guidelines below, please be aware that no guarantee of final layout of future exhibits or displays is implied. All set-up and guests are to maintain a three- foot clearance or more from all artwork. Any damage to any works of art, including the facility itself, will incur a charge.
  2. Cancellation: All cancellations must be in writing. Fifty percent (50%) of the rental fee shall be forfeited should the Renter cancel. Should the event be canceled within thirty days (30) of the event, one hundred (100%) of the rental fee shall be forfeited.
  3. Catering & Additional Vendors: A vendor list and copies of contracts are required 30 days prior to any event, and must include contact person and information.
  4. All outside vendors will have access no more than three hours before the event is scheduled to begin for set-up, and two hours following the event to strike their equipment and rentals. Additional time for set-up or breakdown will be billed to the vendor at a $50 hourly rate.
  5. Cooking: Cooking is not permitted in any of the TMA venues. Electric warmers such as chafing dishes are permitted. Butane, propane, sterno and open flame is strictly prohibited. All supplies must be provided by the caterer including extension cords, towels, soap, containers, bins, trash cans, trash bags, etc. All cords must be taped down with gaffer’s tape that will not leave a residue.
  6. Deliveries and Pick-up: Deliveries including drop-offs such as linens, flowers, etc, must scheduled with the Facility Rental Manager at least 5 days prior to the event. Pick-ups are to occur after the event within the two hour access window unless otherwise determined by Facilities Rental Manager. Items left after the two hours are subject to a $50 per day storage charge.
  7. Event Hours: Events are scheduled to begin during non-public hours at 5:30pm and should end by 11:00pm. An additional fee of $100 will be assessed to the renter for every hour or portion of an hour after the agreed upon time
  8. Equipment: TMA does not provide tables, chairs, linens, glassware, china, flatware, or additional equipment for events nor will TMA store these items for events. Check the Preferred Vendor List for rental companies.
  9. Fees & Deposits: Half of the rental fee and a certificate of insurance ($250) is due upon signing of the rental contract to book and confirm the reservation. A signed copy of the policies and guidelines is due as well. Balance of the payment is due 15 days prior to the event date. TMA accepts rental payments in the form of checks and credit card payment. Credit card payments will incur a 3% processing charge.
  10. Galleries & Exhibition Space: TMA restricts food and drink in art galleries with the exception of the Academy Rotunda and Sculpture Gallery. The Jepson Center has rental spaces intended for special events and catering. Gallery spaces may be rented at the JCA based on exhibitions and at the sole discretion of the TMA management. Only the Owens-Thomas House Garden and entry into the garden may be used at the OTH for catered events.
  11. There may be changes in gallery displays and exhibitions from the time the venue is viewed to the event date. Changes or alterations in the museum set-up do not warrant event cancellation.
  12. Unless otherwise specified, all galleries outside of rental space will be closed during events. Tours of the galleries are welcomed during any event with compliance of the above policy and a docent charge of $20 per hour/per docent. Galleries may be kept open for a gallery fee of $100 per hour.
  13. Parking: There is parking along the street around all TMA venues. There is a parking garage located behind the Academy building as well as across the square from the Owens-Thomas House. Renters may call the City of Savannah parking services at 912.651.6470 or www.savannahga.gov to arrange bagged meters or garage space payment.
  14. Rental Agreement: Upon booking TMA facilities, renters must sign a contract and the Policies & Guidelines paperwork and return it with appropriate payment to Facilities Manager, Telfair Museum of Art, 121 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401
  15. Set-up & Strike: No tables, chairs, equipment, etc may be set closer than 3 feet from any wall or artwork. Use of open flame is strictly prohibited. Set-up may not take place earlier than three hours prior to the event begin time, and equipment strike is to take place within two hours of event end. TMA reserves the right to designate what areas may be used within its venues. Exits and bathroom are not to be blocked and no décor or set-up may interfere in any way with the artwork on display.
  16. Security: As part of the rental fee, interior security is provided as TMA determines is appropriate with regards to guest count and event size. Outside security is arranged by the renter through the City of Savannah.