The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures seeks to inspire, entertain, and educate all visitors about the rich history of motion pictures through the lens of those who make it. The 300,000 square-foot museum features two film and performance theaters, an education studio, dynamic public spaces, and 15,000 square-feet of dedicated event space for both intimate and high-profile special events.
Catering Services at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Event Catering at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Our Food is Serious Business approach to corporate event catering inspires creativity and cultivates collaboration so you can wow clients, celebrate success, and build your team in ways that are unique and memorable. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a destination for corporate conferences and more, and Wolfgang Puck Catering has the expertise and creativity to engineer the most impressive events at this unique and remarkable venue.
PHOTOS
View photos of catering events at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures by Wolfgang Puck Catering
EVENT SPACES
Visitors arriving from 6th Street, Fairfax Avenue, and LACMA enter the museum through the dramatic Walt Disney Company Piazza, where they may pass beneath the Renzo Piano designed sphere building―a 26-million-pound structure made of concrete, glass, and steel, that is balanced atop four concrete plinths fitted with base isolators that serve as a sophisticated earthquake retrofitting system. The piazza is enlivened with landscaping designed by artist Robert Irwin and features dwarf southern magnolia trees and karo shrubs, California fan palms, vinca minor, Mexican fan palms, and jacaranda trees. During the day, the piazza is an active public space; in the evening, it can transform into an ideal event space for red-carpet arrivals and outdoor private receptions.
CAPACITY:
Standing: 750
Theater: 1,000
Seated: 920
The Ted Mann Theater, located in the Saban Building, serves as the museum’s most utilized theater. The 277-seat theater offers curated screenings and special programs on a daily basis that include Oscar-winning films, family films, and rare and historical films, all presented in an intimate, elegant, art house setting.
The Ted Mann Theater has the capacity to present films in multiple formats, including 16mm, 35mm, 70mm, and laser projection supporting Dolby Vision, which allows visitors to see the subtle details and ultra-vivid colors creating multi-dimensional visuals. The theater also features Dolby Atmos, a truly immersive audio experience. Fully accessible to moviegoers of all abilities, the Ted Mann Theater also presents live performances, lectures, panels, symposia, and community events throughout the year.
Dolby is the exclusive audio and visual sponsor of this theater.
The Ted Mann Theater was named via a generous gift by the Simms/Mann Family Foundation in honor of Ted Mann.
CAPACITY:
Seated: 277
With its 24-foot ceilings and open, modern design, the Academy Museum Grand Lobby serves as the heart for all museum activities during the day. From this central hub, visitors can move to the galleries and theaters, stop for a drink or a meal at Fanny’s, or enjoy shopping at the Academy Museum Store. In the evening, the Grand Lobby serves as a stunning space for arrivals and receptions for private events and movie premieres.
CAPACITY:
Standing: 650
Seated: 250
A grand presentation space for major film events, public programs, live performances, movie premieres, and other special events with the world’s leading filmmakers, the 966-seat David Geffen Theater is an unforgettable part of visitors’ museum experience.
The museum’s large theater is fully equipped to present film in many formats, including nitrate, 35mm, 70mm, and laser projection supporting Dolby Vision, which allows visitors to see the subtle details and ultra-vivid colors creating multi-dimensional visuals. The theater also features Dolby Atmos, a truly immersive audio experience. The Geffen Theater’s stage can accommodate a 60-piece orchestra; its seating layout can be arranged to accommodate a sound booth; and catwalks can be rigged with theater lighting.
Dolby is the exclusive audio and visual sponsor of this theater.
CAPACITY:
Seated: 952
Among the museum’s most spectacular settings is the Dolby Family Terrace. Located atop the sphere building, the Dolby Family Terrace sits beneath a stunning glass dome made from 1,500 glass panels that rises to a height of 40 feet. Perfect for cocktail parties, the Dolby Family Terrace also provides one of the most stunning vistas in Los Angeles. Visitors will encounter unobscured views of the Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Westwood as well as a clear sightline of the Hollywood Sign—certainly among visitors’ most popular photo backdrops.
CAPACITY:
Standing: 600
Seated: 420
On the fifth floor of the Saban Building, the former 1939 May Company Tea Room has been transformed into a loft-like industrial space with exposed ceilings, concrete columns, glass doors to the north and south, and built-in kitchen facilities on the same floor. The Tea Room includes a house sound system for both music and presentations, a projector with a drop-down screen, and event lighting fixtures. Adjacent, the open-air Wilshire Terrace features views of the Miracle Mile skyline, California-native landscaping, and meticulously restored elements of the historic building, including the white Texas limestone ledge and black granite archway that frames the Saban Building’s iconic gold-tiled cylinder.
CAPACITY:
Tea Room
Standing: 570
Seated: 490 (no stage)
Wilshire Terrace
Standing: 420
Seated: 220
Theater: 300
FAQ
All events at the Academy Museum require a Corporate Membership and are subject to the Academy Museum’s event policies, guidelines, and restrictions. Exceptions include select nonprofit organizations, government agencies, filming, and citywide events. Please see our private event policies for more information.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures offers a diverse array of event spaces. Depending on the space, we can accommodate up to 500 seated guests in a single space. For larger gatherings utilizing the entire venue, we can welcome over 2,000 guests. Level 5 alone can host up to 1,200 guests. Please contact us for more specific capacity details tailored to different event formats.
We offer a range of catering options including plated dinners, buffets, and cocktail receptions. Our culinary team can customize menus to fit your event’s theme and dietary requirements.
Yes, our culinary team can work with you to customize the menu to suit your preferences and dietary requirements. We aim to provide a unique and memorable dining experience for your guests.
While The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures does not have its own parking facilities, there are several adjacent parking structures available for guests. These nearby options can comfortably accommodate your event’s attendees.
Yes, our venue is fully accessible for guests with disabilities. We have ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to ensure all guests can comfortably enjoy the event.
As the museum’s exclusive caterer all wine and spirits must be supplied and served by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Our cancellation policy varies depending on the event. Please contact us for more details. We strive to be as flexible as possible to accommodate changes.
Yes, we a list of preferred vendors for services such as photography, entertainment, and florals is available upon request. All event vendors must be approved by the Private Events department.