Private & Corporate Events
Private Events
Naturally Elegant
Indoors or out, the garden will bring your event to life. Naturally. From heirloom roses to a wisteria-covered English Walled Garden to warm natural light, surround yourself with thousands of planted blooms and fresh greenery that will live long past your special event. Your options are all undeniably breathtaking.
McGinley Pavilion
This dramatic canopied terrace is a breathtaking setting for a summer party, dance, meeting, or reception.
Located at the water's edge across from the Garden's Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon, McGinley Pavilion is available for rentals from May through October (heaters and clear side walls are available).
McGinley Pavilion's Waterfront Patio has spectacular views of Evening Island.
CAPACITY | |
Sit-down dinner with dance floor | 230 |
Sit-down dinner | 270 |
Cocktail reception | 350 |
Wedding ceremony | 125 |
Theater | 148 |
Classroom | 96 |
English Walled Garden
For old-fashioned romance, nothing rivals the secluded charm of the Helen and Richard Thomas English Walled Garden. A variety of English gardening styles are demonstrated in this lovely space, ideal for a cocktail party before dinner in McGinley Pavilion. The English Walled Garden is also an exquisite site for a wedding ceremony. An indoor back-up space is always reserved when this space is requested. Available May through October, evenings only.
CAPACITY | |
Cocktail reception | 250 |
Wedding ceremony | 175* |
* Unique seating arrangement
Rose Terrace
Perfect for a cocktail party, the Rose Terrace also is ideal for an intimate dinner or wedding ceremony. Enjoy cocktails here before dinner in McGinley Pavilion. A back-up space is always reserved when this space is requested. Available May through October, evenings only.
This intimate outdoor courtyard—fragrant with roses in season—overlooks the Krasberg Rose Garden.
CAPACITY | |
Cocktail reception | 250 |
Wedding ceremony | 275 |
Buehler Enabling Garden
Hanging baskets and vertical beds bursting with vibrant color, raised beds brimming with plants, and lovely fountains make the Buehler Enabling Garden a uniquely beautiful choice for a gathering. This site overlooks the Gardens of the Great Basin and Evening Island—perfect for a cocktail party and a lovely location for a dinner party. An indoor back-up space is always reserved when this space is requested. Available May through October, evenings only.
CAPACITY | |
Cocktail reception | 250 |
Wedding ceremony | 50* |
Sit-down dinner with round tables | 110 |
* Unique seating arrangement
Searle Courtyard
A Japanese aesthetic infuses this grassy courtyard displaying the Garden's renowned Bonsai Collection. This open-air setting offers the option of patio seating under a sheltered roof to make it the perfect spot for dinner, cocktails, and all occasions. Available May through October, evenings only.
CAPACITY | |
Sit-down dinner with round tables | 150 |
Cocktail reception | 250 |
Wedding ceremony | 100 |
Krehbiel Gallery
With its Kasota stone reflecting pool, the Krehbiel Gallery provides a serene setting for guests during cocktails or at a seated dinner.
This indoor site serves as the Garden's premier art exhibition display space and provides a beautiful alternative to outdoor garden areas. The Krehbiel Gallery can be reserved for either a small dinner party or a cocktail reception as an enjoyable prelude to dinner in Nichols Hall or McGinley Pavilion. Evenings only, September through May.
CAPACITY | |
Sit-down dinner | 75 |
Cocktail reception | 275 |
Wedding ceremony | 200 |
Nichols Hall
Designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, this grand indoor space features a dramatic two-story skylight and Canadian hemlock walls and ceiling.
A distinctive, grand indoor space ideal for gala events, Nichols Hall accommodates up to 350 guests.
CAPACITY | |
Sit-down dinner with dance floor | 275 |
Sit-down dinner | 300 |
Cocktail reception | 400 |
Wedding ceremony | 275 |
Theater | 350 |
Classroom | 275 |
Burnstein Hall
Burnstein Hall is an airy room with garden views and access to Runnells Courtyard, which features the Garden's renowned Bonsai Collection; it provides a lovely backdrop for dances, dinners, or meetings of up to 220 guests. Available year-round.
CAPACITY | |
Sit-down dinner with round tables | 210 |
Sit-down dinner with dance floor | 150 |
Cocktail reception | 220 |
Theater | 150 |
Classroom | 76 |
Alsdorf Auditorium
This modern theater with comfortable fixed seating for 200 is perfect for lectures, meetings, or media presentations and can be rented in all seasons. (Twenty-five additional seats can be added.) It features audiovisual equipment, a podium with remote capabilities, and a stage computer connection. Food and beverages are not permitted. Available year-round.
CAPACITY | |
Theatre | 200 |
Plant Science Center
The award-winning Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center features science laboratories, meeting rooms, and two notable garden areas: the Woman's Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society Rainwater Glen and the Green Roof Garden.
Plant Science Center Seminar Room CAPACITY | |
Meeting with round tables | 50 |
Theater | 60 |
Classroom | 30 |
Green Roof Conference Room CAPACITY | |
Board-room | 12 |
Theater | 60 |
Classroom | 30 |
Grainger Gallery Atrium CAPACITY | |
Sit-down with rounds | 100 |
Theater | 100 |
Classroom | 250 |
Plant Science Center
The award-winning Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center features science laboratories, meeting rooms, and two notable garden areas: the Woman's Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society Rainwater Glen and the Green Roof Garden.
Green Roof Conference Room CAPACITY | |
Board-room | 12 |
Theater | 60 |
Classroom | 30 |
Pullman/Linnaeus Rooms
The ideal location for meetings or intimate seated dinners for up to 70 people, these rooms are adjacent to the Krehbiel Gallery and have beautiful views of the Garden's Esplanade and North Lake.
The Linnaeus and Pullman Rooms house the Garden's permanent botanical art collection, offer audiovisual capabilities, and are available throughout the year.
CAPACITY | |
Sit-down dinner or meeting with round tables | 70 |
Cocktail reception | 70 |
Theater | 75 |
Classroom | 30 |
Boyer Room
Our newest event room, conveniently located in the Visitor Center, can host your next party or meeting. The Lakeside Event Room overlooks our Lakeside Deck, offering a beautiful view of the Smith Fountain. Available year-round.
CAPACITY | |
Classroom | 20 |
Theater | 40 |
Banquet with round tables | 40 |
Meeting with round tables | 40 |
Rentals
Eco-Conscious Flavors
Minimize your footprint while maximizing flavor. Our culinary team sources the best ingredients from local, seasonal, and sustainable providers.
Impeccable Planning
Whether you’re planning a grand wedding celebration or a sophisticated corporate reception, we partner with the best in décor, entertainment, and event management.
Questions? Read through our FAQs for more information or contact us at 847-835-8370.
Join us in creating unforgettable experiences at one of Chicago’s most beloved destinations. We are always looking for high-quality vendors to enhance our events and provide exceptional services to our visitors. If you wish to be considered for our preferred vendor list, please complete this form to begin the conversation.