Museum Rental | Museum of San Francisco
Source: https://www.sfhistory.org/museumrental
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Museum Rental | Museum of San Francisco
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MUSEUM RENTAL
The Museum of San Francisco is the site of the first mint in the West: a one-of-a-kind venue guests will remember forever.
About San Francisco's Historic Downtown Venue
(In One of the City's Oldest Buildings)
A rare historic building in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District is now available for private and corporate events. The Museum of San Francisco offers approximately 4,000 square feet of event space plus an outdoor balcony with views of the financial district. Located at 608 Commercial Street, this historic venue is just steps away from the Transamerica Pyramid, North Beach, and China Town.
The building marks the site of the first U.S. branch mint in the West. Montgomery Street, one-half block away, marks the original waterline of Yerba Buena Cove. Visitors can peer into the underground brick vault where gold was stored. The vault survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.
The museum venue features:
Two full floors of elegant event space that can accommodate up to 400 people
Grand reception gallery with 25-foot ceiling, open floor plan, and a dramatic view into the underground brick vault
Third-floor outdoor deck with a view of the Financial District
Historic grand entry with exposed brick dating from the 1800s
Three smaller galleries suitable as bar and food stations
Included Museum Venue Spaces
Grand Entrance
• The Grand Entrance contains the original brick wall of the U.S. Mint with
bricks dating back to the 1800s
• Location of the museum's 1906 SF earthquake and fire exhibit
• Serves as the guest check-in spot with a security guard (included with rental)
Main Gallery
• The Gold Room is the main event space that overlooks the historic vault and is surrounded by numerous exhibits
• Capacity is 200 standing and 100 seated
• Equipped with 11' x 6' screen, powerful laser projector, and sound system.
Gallery East
Largest of the side gallery rooms
Location of seveal revolving historical exhibits of San Francisco
Excellent space for hors d'oeuvres, catering, and/or cocktail bar
Gallery West
A side gallery room that features special exhibits that rotate throughout the year
Space works great as a cocktail or coffee bar
The special exhibits on display will wow your guests!
Viewing Deck
Elegant outdoor balcony with gorgeous views of the Financial District.
Perfect location for a cocktail party.
Deck capacity is 48 standing.
Elevator access
The Vault
Located on the lower floor, guests can view the original vault where gold was once stored
The vault room contains historic artifacts used in the minting process
Lower floor capacity is 50 standing and 25 seated
Event Kitchen
Full kitchen to support your event catering needs
Large refrigeration and freezer capacity
Appliances to make coffee and heat up food
FAQ About Venue Rentals
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RENTAL FEE? Two full floors of use, including kitchen, staging room, restrooms, 100 chairs, and an A/V system (speakers, four wireless mics, and podium, SFHS staff to answer questions at the beginning of event, security service (one guard)
COSTS? Fees vary by event requirements/needs. Please inquiry by filling out the venue form below
CANCELLATIONS? Cancelled events may be rescheduled within six months of the original scheduled date
WHAT HOURS ARE AVAILABLE? Evenings after 4PM, daytime on a case-by-case basis
WHAT TIME CAN VENDORS SETUP? Vendors can access the building for set up at 11 AM, earlier negotiable
WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO DÉCOR, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT? A description of intended use must be presented in writing and approved
WILL THERE BE OTHER GROUPS RENTING ON THE SAME DAY? Only one event per day
PREFERRED CATERING? You may use a preferred caterer, but we have a list of caterers familiar with the venue
NONPROFIT DISCOUNTS? Yes, we provide nonprofit discounts for for both venue space fees and live streaming services
CAN THE SPACE BE AVAILABLE FOR FUNDRAISING, POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS EVENTS OR EVENTS FOR GUESTS UNDER THE AGE OF 21? Yes, subject to prior approval.
PARKING? Portsmouth Square Garage or the Hilton Garage, both within a block of 608 Commercial.
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top of page
MUSEUM RENTAL
The Museum of San Francisco is the site of the first mint in the West: a one-of-a-kind venue guests will remember forever.
About San Francisco's Historic Downtown Venue
(In One of the City's Oldest Buildings)
A rare historic building in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District is now available for private and corporate events. The Museum of San Francisco offers approximately 4,000 square feet of event space plus an outdoor balcony with views of the financial district. Located at 608 Commercial Street, this historic venue is just steps away from the Transamerica Pyramid, North Beach, and China Town.
The building marks the site of the first U.S. branch mint in the West. Montgomery Street, one-half block away, marks the original waterline of Yerba Buena Cove. Visitors can peer into the underground brick vault where gold was stored. The vault survived the 1906 earthquake and fire.
The museum venue features:
Two full floors of elegant event space that can accommodate up to 400 people
Grand reception gallery with 25-foot ceiling, open floor plan, and a dramatic view into the underground brick vault
Third-floor outdoor deck with a view of the Financial District
Historic grand entry with exposed brick dating from the 1800s
Three smaller galleries suitable as bar and food stations
Included Museum Venue Spaces
Grand Entrance
• The Grand Entrance contains the original brick wall of the U.S. Mint with
bricks dating back to the 1800s
• Location of the museum's 1906 SF earthquake and fire exhibit
• Serves as the guest check-in spot with a security guard (included with rental)
Main Gallery
• The Gold Room is the main event space that overlooks the historic vault and is surrounded by numerous exhibits
• Capacity is 200 standing and 100 seated
• Equipped with 11' x 6' screen, powerful laser projector, and sound system.
Gallery East
Largest of the side gallery rooms
Location of seveal revolving historical exhibits of San Francisco
Excellent space for hors d'oeuvres, catering, and/or cocktail bar
Gallery West
A side gallery room that features special exhibits that rotate throughout the year
Space works great as a cocktail or coffee bar
The special exhibits on display will wow your guests!
Viewing Deck
Elegant outdoor balcony with gorgeous views of the Financial District.
Perfect location for a cocktail party.
Deck capacity is 48 standing.
Elevator access
The Vault
Located on the lower floor, guests can view the original vault where gold was once stored
The vault room contains historic artifacts used in the minting process
Lower floor capacity is 50 standing and 25 seated
Event Kitchen
Full kitchen to support your event catering needs
Large refrigeration and freezer capacity
Appliances to make coffee and heat up food
FAQ About Venue Rentals
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RENTAL FEE? Two full floors of use, including kitchen, staging room, restrooms, 100 chairs, and an A/V system (speakers, four wireless mics, and podium, SFHS staff to answer questions at the beginning of event, security service (one guard)
COSTS? Fees vary by event requirements/needs. Please inquiry by filling out the venue form below
CANCELLATIONS? Cancelled events may be rescheduled within six months of the original scheduled date
WHAT HOURS ARE AVAILABLE? Evenings after 4PM, daytime on a case-by-case basis
WHAT TIME CAN VENDORS SETUP? Vendors can access the building for set up at 11 AM, earlier negotiable
WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO DÉCOR, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT? A description of intended use must be presented in writing and approved
WILL THERE BE OTHER GROUPS RENTING ON THE SAME DAY? Only one event per day
PREFERRED CATERING? You may use a preferred caterer, but we have a list of caterers familiar with the venue
NONPROFIT DISCOUNTS? Yes, we provide nonprofit discounts for for both venue space fees and live streaming services
CAN THE SPACE BE AVAILABLE FOR FUNDRAISING, POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS EVENTS OR EVENTS FOR GUESTS UNDER THE AGE OF 21? Yes, subject to prior approval.
PARKING? Portsmouth Square Garage or the Hilton Garage, both within a block of 608 Commercial.
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