For information about private events at EMP|SFM, call
206.770.2775, or e-mail
privateevents@empsfm.org.
Click on the thumbnails at the right for a 360° panoramic view of that event space.
Guests will be dazzled by any of our spaces. You decide which one. The museum's colorful and sprawling exterior hints at the unusual assembly of interior spaces. With so many unique areas to choose from, EMP|SFM allows you to create just the right venue for your private event.
Sky Church and Main Lobby
The soaring central hall of EMP|SFM, Sky Church is designed to immerse you and your guests in an unparalleled sensory experience. This room, with a 70-foot ceiling, features the world's largest indoor video screen accompanied by a 48,000 watt JBL surround-sound system. It has a state-of-the-art control room so our technical staff can work with whatever material you bring for your event program. With our complete set of staging equipment, including computer-controlled lighting, we'll help you grab your audience's undivided attention.
Increase the capacity of your event or simply add some mingling room by including the Main Lobby with your Sky Church rental. The stunning 2,645 square-foot lobby comes with a private entrance — ideal for welcoming and registering your guests. A handcrafted bar runs the length of the room, making it a great place to serve food and beverages.
Outdoor Plaza
Combine the Ticketing Lobby and Sky Church with our spacious Outdoor Plaza to give your guests some outside air and unique views. Located in front of the main entrance to EMP|SFM facing Seattle Center, this 3,240 square-foot plaza is ideal for summer and informal events. The Outdoor Plaza even allows audiovisual capability so none of your guests will be excluded.
Please note: Tents, heaters, electrical cables, supplementary power and lights are not included in your basic rental use fee.
EMP Buyout
Give your guests exclusive access to the entire museum and leave a lasting impression on anyone who loves music. The EMP Buyout allows up to 2,000 of your guests to explore the EMP galleries and view the artifacts related to legendary American and rock music icons. You can also participate in the interactive Sound Lab exhibits. When you're finished exploring, enjoy live music or an audiovisual presentation in Sky Church, a reception in the Main Lobby and dinner in the Outdoor Plaza — the choice is yours.
EMP galleries include:
- Galleries: The museum's main exhibition area includes Yes Yes Y'all, Guitar Gallery and Northwest Passage. These areas combine rare artifacts with imagery and multimedia to recount stories that span a century of American popular music. Explore musical revolutions from jazz and blues to the birth of rock 'n' roll and the hip-hop explosion; discover diverse expressions of musical creativity.
- Sound Lab and On Stage: Enjoy playing, performing and moving to music in these interactive exhibits. Sound Lab and On Stage offer a variety of activities where visitors can perform to a virtual concert audience or play instruments. Whether a novice or a professional musician, each visitor can explore his or her own creative potential.
Please note: EMP Buyout does not include use of the following spaces: JBL Theater, JBL Green Room, Learning Labs, Revolution Cafe at EMP|SFM.
EMP|SFM Buyout
Planning a really large event? Create an unforgettable experience for up to 3,000 guests by giving them exclusive access to all areas of EMP|SFM. They can enjoy live music in Sky Church, a reception in the Main Lobby, dinner in the Outdoor Plaza, with a VIP area in the Blue Lounge and access to all galleries and exhibitions in both museums.
Learning Labs
An ideal space for workshops, demonstrations, meetings or catered receptions, Learning Labs feature a moveable air wall that allows the space to be divided into two distinct rooms. Adjacent to the Harrison Street entrance, the Learning Labs can accommodate up to 60 seated guests or 70 guests reception style.
JBL Theater
Created for the ultimate audiovisual experience, JBL Theater is the ideal space to view videos and film, as well as hold master classes and lectures. The intimate space is designed to seat 191 people and is an acoustic gem.
Blue Lounge
Available to designated EMP|SFM sponsors and members by exclusive arrangement, the Blue Lounge overlooks Sky Church and provides special amenities for an intimate party experience.
Catering Information
EMP|SFM has an exclusive relationship with Daniel's Catering.
