Event Rentals

Host Your Event at Hillyer’s Contemporary Art Gallery

IA&A at Hillyer is a unique contemporary art venue located in the artistic and internationally chic Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. This renovated historic livery stable gallery hosts receptions, meetings, small weddings, book signings, memorial services, seminars, lectures, office parties, and nonprofit fundraisers. Hillyer can accommodate up to 75 people seated or standing. 

Art Exhibition Setting

Event rentals take place inside Hillyer’s three art exhibition spaces, which provide the context for authentic venue experiences. Exhibitions change every month, so renters must be mindful of the unique conditions that each month presents in terms of exhibition content and how artwork is installed. Whether you are attending an exhibition opening as a visitor or renting our space, the safety of the art on display is of paramount importance. Aside from these necessary precautions, your venue can be transformed by our unique “art world” setting.

Hillyer is easily accessible by public transportation from virtually anywhere in DC. If you would like your event to be held at one of the hottest venues for contemporary art in the region, our venue spaces are one of the best options in town.

Are some months better than others?

Yes, but this depends on the type of exhibitions on view. For example, if an exhibition is “installation-based,” space for event rentals will be limited to other galleries. If Hillyer is partnering with another organization, such as an embassy or museum, rentals will not be offered due to criteria specified by the exhibition agreement.

When can I set up?

Set up and clean up hours must be included in your total rental timeframe in the contract. If an event is taking place in the evening after regular gallery hours, you may begin setup at 6 pm. Please give yourself an hour for cleanup as we need the premises clear by 11:00 pm.

Are there any food or alcohol restrictions?

Yes, only white wine and other light-colored beverages are allowed in the gallery. There are no food restrictions. 

Do you provide tables and chairs? 

Yes, please see our “offerings” for more details.

Can I play music?

Music is allowed but must be maintained at moderate levels. Noise must cease by 10:00pm because Hillyer is located in a residential area. DJs are allowed but the same rules apply. 

What are the guidelines for cleanliness?

All the trash must be removed from the premises by the renter.  The gallery areas should be restored to their original condition. The gallery charges a $150 non-refundable fee for post-function cleaning; this applies to all rentals. If other cleaning services are requested by the Renter in advance of the function, an additional fee(s) will be charged.

What happens if the art is damaged?

If artwork is damaged during your event, the renter must compensate the artist for its market value and/or pay the amount that meets the satisfaction of the artist.

Is there parking availability for the venue?  

There is street parking and paid garage parking available nearby.  There are a number of different parking restrictions in the general area, so please pay attention to signs. The parking adjacent to Hillyer is the exclusive property of the Cosmos Club. No parking is allowed in those spaces.

Can the gallery walls be changed or altered? 

Since Hillyer is an art exhibition space, no alterations can be made to the gallery space. The entrance from the parking lot and vestibule area may include limited decorations.

Do you provide catering?

Currently, we do not have a list of preferred vendors, so we cannot offer any recommendations at this time.

  • Small wedding receptions
  • Corporate meetings
  • Fundraisers
  • Book signings
  • Artist talks and panel discussions
  • Memorial services
  • Office parties

  • Three gallery spaces (see floor plans).
  • Contemporary art environment.
  • Small kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher.
  • Two bathrooms.
  • 4 five ft rectangular folding tables; 1 four ft round table; 1 five ft round table.
  • 60 folding chairs
  • 10 ft ceilings (9 ft where duct work is installed)
  • Street parking & nearby garage parking.
  • Two blocks from Dupont Circle Metro.

Monday through Wednesday – $250 an hour
Thursday and Sunday – $275 an hour
Friday and Saturday – $300 an hour

All rentals must occur after hours. To be considered during opening hours, an additional fee of $75 an hour will be added. A 50% deposit is required in advance.

Venue rental space is available all year, but space may be restricted based on the type of exhibitions on view. Contact the Hillyer Director for more information. Visit the upcoming exhibitions page to learn more about our featured artists during the month of February.

If you are interested in a venue rental, please fill out the Venue Rental Inquiry Form.

CONTACT

Timothy Brown, Hillyer Director

Phone

Email