Overview

Events and public programs are central to the mission of Krannert Art Museum. We welcome collaborations with campus and community partners, and accept proposals to host independent events that connect to the museum’s mission, collections, and exhibitions; support student engagement; and amplify community arts.

All events at Krannert Art Museum during open hours are free and all galleries are open to the public. No outside group may charge participants. While the museum is not a space for private rentals, some spaces are available for meetings. Museum staff and event organizers are responsible for balancing visitor engagement with art collections protection.

 

Initiating an Event

To propose an event at Krannert Art Museum or to use our space for a meeting, please reach out to Rachel Storm.

 

Event Spaces

Note: The Kinkead Pavilion is closed for renovations and will reopen in Fall 2025. The Auditorium, Giertz Education Center, Hood Classroom, Lower Lobby, and Kinkead Porch are currently unavailable. Except for the Auditorium, the museum’s spaces are relatively small. Museum staff will work with you to decide on maximum numbers that meet fire code and ensure protection of works of art.

Map of Krannert Art Museum

Spaces without Art

These locations usually include the Auditorium (KAM 62), Giertz Education Center, Hood Classroom, upper and lower lobby, café, gardens, and the Kinkead Pavilion porch.

Weekday hours for the Auditorium (KAM 62) are on a regular schedule. Contact us for scheduling on evenings and weekends.

Spaces with Art

  • Krannert Art Museum prioritizes the use of art spaces where the art environment is integral to the event itself.
  • Although designed for public access, events held in the galleries and other spaces containing artworks have additional specific additional restrictions, outlined below.
  • Galleries with loaned artworks are subject to guidelines set by the lenders. Please allow sufficient time for museum staff to clarify requirements and seek lender approvals.

 

Event Hours and Scheduling

  • Because of the museum’s robust schedule and limited staff, all events require planning ahead. Please allow three months to ensure a successful collaboration.
  • Events should take place during public hours:
    • Tuesday-Friday 10 am–5 pm, Saturday 10am–4 pm, and extended hours until 8 pm on Thursday nights when university classes are in session.
    • Requests for events outside these hours depend on staff availability and may require additional fees for security. The museum encourages inquiries and will make space available based on staffing capacity.

 

Food and Beverage

Spaces without Art

  • The museum has no kitchen or food preparation space. Events must comply with protocols regarding food handling, mobile food vendors, and alcohol policies.
  • For larger events that require table seating or meal service, the School of Art & Design books the Link Gallery (the glass-enclosed space between the School of Art & Design and the museum). Please contact Audra Weinstein (audra@illinois.edu) for details.

Spaces with Art

  • Food and drink are not allowed in spaces that contain art.
  • Movement of food, drink, and messy materials through spaces with art must be facilitated by museum staff.

 

Filming, Photography, and Sound

  • See the museum’s film and photography guidelines and the university guidelines for filming on campus.
  • Works of art from the Krannert Art Museum collection may be photographed or filmed for personal use. No additional lighting or flash photography are allowed. Copyright laws apply.
  • Museum staff must accompany filmmakers and photographers and approve all equipment brought into the museum. Light levels must be approved by the registration department.
  • Museum staff must be present for any installation, setup, filming, or lighting.
  • Professional filmmakers will need to sign a separate contract through the University of Illinois purchasing and contracts office.
  • If approval is given, a meeting (Zoom, Teams, or in person) is required to review filming logistics.

 

Additional Guidelines

  • Organic, hazardous, flammable materials, weapons, and liquids are prohibited.
  • Illinois is a smoke-free campus. Smoking and tobacco use are prohibited.
  • Paint, confetti, glitter, haze spray, and fog machines cannot be used.
  • Service animals are welcome. Accessibility guidelines are online.
  • Only museum staff may adjust gallery lighting and audiovisual elements.
  • Musicians and performers must consult with museum staff on sound levels (generally 80 decibels or below).

 

Contacts

Bryan Engelbrecht (Customer Service Specialist)  
benge3@illinois.edu | 217-244-8782  
Rachel Lauren Storm (Asst. Dir., Community Engagement & Learning)  
rstorm2@illinois.edu | 217-333-5896