Private Events

Take Your Private Event or Meeting on the Road to the San Diego Automotive Museum!

With an incredible collection of cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia wrapped around your special event, rest assured it will be enjoyed and long remembered. From a black-tie gala to a wedding to a backyard barbeque, the festive atmosphere of the San Diego Automotive Museum in historic Balboa Park can accommodate the occasion of your dreams. Have your next meeting or seminar at one of the most unique venues in all of San Diego!

All of the pricing below is for facility rental ONLY. Catering and equipment are the client’s responsibility.

For more information or to book an event, please contact Sally Hansen via email at sally@sdautomuseum.org.

Exhibit Floor (17,000 Square Feet)

Enjoy cocktails and a fine meal surrounded by stunning classic cars and motorcycles, and maybe even a few newer ones, as well as our often-changing special exhibitions. Our exhibit floor can accommodate up to 200 for a buffet, cocktails, or a lovely sit-down dinner. This is our most popular choice. Events are held after the museum closes. Set-up times vary, and must not begin until after the last patron has exited. Event start should be timed accordingly. (6:30 pm is the most popular.) Venue price ranges between $1,500 and $3,500 (depending on number of attendees and amount of set-up required). Museum equipment extra. For most occasions, however, we recommend working with your caterer or one of the equipment rental companies listed below.

Car Park (22,680 Square Feet)

Landscaped and tree-shaded, our Car Park is ideal for weddings, small car shows, festivals, or company picnics. If your event takes place during museum hours, you may stroll in and out of the museum at your leisure, or arrange a tour. This is San Diego's best-kept secret! Our car park is a private, park-like setting that comfortably hosts up to 500 people. $1,500 to $2,000 per day (depending on number of attendees and amount of set-up required).

Hall of Fame (3,250 Square Feet)

Overlooking the exhibit floor, the Hall of Fame is great for meetings and meals, and can also include a tour of the exhibit floor. Ideal for lectures, meetings, business lunches, or a sit-down dinner for up to 150 people. Free Wi-Fi. Up to $1000 depending on number of attendees and amount of set-up and equipment required. An extra charge may be added if admission to the museum floor is also desired, also depending on number of attendees.

Classroom (420 Square Feet) 

Need to teach a class? We've got you covered. Lecture space for up to 50 people, desks and tables included. Free Wi-Fi. This is our most affordable option. Up to $300 per day during museum hours (10am to 5pm daily) and depending on set-up and if museum access is also desired. After hours meeting, please inquire. 

Utilities, professional staffing, and standard security are included in all rentals. Any additional security is the client’s responsibility. Dancing events require the rental of an appropriate dance floor and additional liability insurance.

All of the above pricing is for facility rental ONLY. Catering and equipment are the client’s responsibility.

20  Banquet tables (6' x 30")   $5 per table, per day

100  Black "fan-back" chairs    $1 per chair, per day

1 Presentation screen   $20 per day

Recommended Rental Companies:

Raphael’s 858.689.7368

Abbey Rents 888.252.1319

Sound Systems Rentals:  

Right Audio 760.855.2671

For more information or to book an event, please contact Sally Hansen via email at sally@sdautomuseum.org.