Event FAQs

What does it cost to rent one of your museums and are you available for a specific date?
For general pricing information: Private Events/Serra Museum or Private Events/History Center.
For information about specific pricing and availability, contact us: [email protected] or 619-232-6203 x109.

What do the rental fees include?
Each museum and space has its own inclusions. We have different packages depending on the type of event. In addition, each museum is unique in what it offers. Please refer to the pricing information on the web page for each venue.

What is your capacity?
For specific capacities of each of our spaces at the San Diego History Center and Junípero Serra Museum, please refer to Event Specifics. General capacities at the History Center are 130 guests for a seated dinner and 140 guests for a seated dinner at the Junípero Serra Museum.

When are your consultation times?
Consultations are by appointment only and based on availability. Typically, we are available for consultations Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm at the San Diego History Center and Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm at the Junípero Serra Museum. Weekend appointments must be made in advance and are based on availability and events schedule. To make an appointment, please contact us at [email protected]  or 619-232-6203 x109.

Can we use our own caterer?
Unfortunately, no. We are proud to work with a trusted network of Preferred Caterers, who are required to be used for your food, beverage, and bar service. For a full list of our Preferred Caterers: Preferred Partners. All of our Preferred Caterers provide the highest level of quality service for our clients, abide by museum catering policies and hold the proper licensing.

Do you allow ceremonies and where are they located?
Yes! The Junípero Serra Museum can accommodate ceremonies on the outdoor terrace or indoor gallery with receptions on the outdoor terraces. Ceremonies are not allowed on the grass area in front of the Serra Museum. The History Center can accommodate a ceremony or reception but in most cases cannot accommodate both.

Can exhibitions be moved or altered for our event?
Both the Junípero Serra Museum and the San Diego History Center are museums with changing exhibitions. While some exhibit pieces may be able to be moved, most cannot. What can and cannot be moved or altered is at the full discretion of the San Diego History Center. The San Diego History Center reserves the right to change exhibitions at either museum without regarding event rentals. The Events Department will do our best to inform renters of such changes when deemed appropriate.

Do you offer discounts for Military, non-profits or History Center members?
Yes! Active Military, non-profit organizations and History Center members receive a 10% discount on all facility rentals at both the San Diego History Center and the Junípero Serra Museum.

Do you require liability insurance and how much does the liability insurance usually cost?
Yes, private events at the History Center and the Serra Museum require day-of liability insurance naming us as an additional insured. Liability insurance can be obtained from your personal insurance company or we recommend using www.wedsure.com. Generally, one-day event insurance costs about $95.

 

Do you require hiring a wedding/event coordinator?
Hiring a wedding coordinator is highly suggested, but not required. By doing so, you are investing in professional experience and peace of mind. The History Center does not offer on-site coordination for weddings.

Do you allow music at events?
Yes, live and prerecorded/amplified music is allowed at both locations. At the Junípero Serra Museum, music must be turned off by 11 pm to respect our residential neighbors. At the San Diego History Center, music must be turned off by midnight.

What are “normal” rental times?
Popular 8-hour wedding and social event time blocks are from 2-10 pm, 3-11 pm, or 4 pm – 12 am. Keep in mind that rental times are inclusive of set-up (2 hours) and breakdown (1 hour), music must be turned off by 11 pm at the Serra Museum and midnight at the Balboa Park museum, and all vendors must vacate our property at 12 midnight. An 8-hour time block is recommended for events with catering needs. We allow 4-hour time blocks for ceremonies only. You may purchase additional hours in advance. If the renter or the renter’s clients are on the property past the rental time, an overage fee will be charged.

Do you provide parking?
There are free parking lots near both the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park and the Junípero Serra Museum in Presidio Park. These are both public parking lots and therefore cannot be reserved for your event.

Is the Junípero Serra Museum ADA accessible?
Unfortunately, it is not. The only paths to the building include numerous stairs and once on the terrace or inside the museum, there are necessary stairs between exhibits, restrooms, water fountains, etc. We apologize for this inconvenience.

Do you allow alcohol at events?
Yes, alcohol is allowed but must be served and provided by one of our Preferred Caterers only, no exceptions! No liquor bottles may be placed on tables for consumption.

What are the hours that the sites are available for my event?
Both the San Diego History Center and the Junípero Serra Museum have flexible times for your event. All break-down must be concluded by 12 midnight.

Is there a cleaning deposit?
A basic cleaning deposit is included in the rental cost; however, if extensive cleaning is requested by the renter in advance or afterward (due to the renter), an additional cleaning fee will be assessed.

Are there local accommodations for out of town guests?
The San Diego History Center and Junípero Serra Museum are centrally located in San Diego close to various beaches, downtown, Old Town and Hotel Circle. For a list of partnered hotels that offer discounts for our clients and guests: Preferred Partners

How does my company become a Preferred Partner?
The San Diego History Center & Junípero Serra Museum’s Preferred Partner list is composed of trusted professionals who provide a high level of quality, diverse price points and understanding of museum catering policies. The San Diego History Center and Junipero Serra Museum’s Preferred Partner list is based on the calendar year, and we renew current catering contracts and consider new applicants annually in December. We encourage you to contact us in October to apply. For more information, please contact the Events Manager: [email protected] or call 619-232-6203 x 143.