Facility Rental Options
Observatory Gallery & Terrace
| Square Footage | Seated Dining Capacity* | Standing Reception Capacity* | |
| Indoor | 3,500 | 180 | 250 |
| Outdoor | 2,500 | 100 | 190 |
Exploring a Sense of Place—the City, Bay, and Sky
A marvel of glass, steel, and cutting-edge technology, the Observatory is the one new architectural structure at Pier 15. Featuring breathtaking views of the city and bay, our waterfront venue is ideal for elegant seated dinners, cocktail receptions, or just about anything you can dream up!
*Capacities subject to change
East Gallery
| Square Footage | Seated Dining Capacity* | Standing Reception Capacity* |
| 7,000 | 200 | 450 |
Discovering the Living World
With large windows overlooking the bay, the East Gallery brings the outside world in, offering experiences and exhibits that let guests explore life at different scales. It’s perfect for intimate seated dinners, dancing, and receptions.
*Capacities subject to change
Central Gallery
| Square Footage | Seated Dining Capacity* | Standing Reception Capacity* |
| 20,000 | 460 | 1,200 |
Investigating Natural Phenomena
Designed for exploring sights, sounds, and perception itself, the Central Gallery is the setting for our physics and perception installations. The expansive gallery is well-suited to strolling receptions, or dining and dancing among hands-on exhibits.
*Capacities subject to change
West Gallery
| Square Footage | Seated Dining Capacity* | Standing Reception Capacity* |
| 16,000 | 380 | 1,000 |
Understanding Cognition, Science, and Society
The West Gallery, which integrates exhibits on psychology and art, houses the museum’s iconic Tactile Dome and a “black box” for immersive installations. Closest to the Embarcadero and adjacent to The Forum, it’s great for seated dinners and evening receptions, including product launches, alumni gatherings, and more.
*Capacities subject to change
The Forum
| Square Footage | Seated Dining Capacity* | Standing Reception Capacity* |
| 3,600 | 200 | 250 |
Seeing the World through New Eyes
State-of-the art sound and projection make The Forum ideal for seminars, lectures, presentations, and film screenings. Adaptable to theater- or cabaret-style seating arrangements, this flexible space can be customized to meet your needs.
*Capacities subject to change
