FAQs

What types of events can I host at Asia Society Texas Center?

Asia Society Texas Center is available for a wide variety of private and corporate events such as weddings, parties, corporate seminars, and more. Fundraising and political events are not permitted, nor are events that conflict with the mission and focus of Asia Society Texas or may disrupt the primary use of the Center as a public cultural and educational institution.

What are the steps in planning an event at Asia Society Texas Center?

Planning an event at Asia Society Texas Center is an easy process! Please submit a request online.

When can events be held at Asia Society Texas Center?

Events can be scheduled between 7 a.m – 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Events in public spaces during Asia Society’s operating hours must not interfere with the normal flow and operation of the facility. Special events requiring closed access such as weddings cannot take place until after the building is closed to the public at 6 p.m.

How much time is allotted for setup and teardown?

You will have three hours immediately prior to your event for setup and two hours after your event for teardown.

How do I reserve a date?

Once the event has been approved, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the rental fee plus a $500.00 refundable security fee are required to secure a date at Asia Society Texas Center.

May I use my own caterer?

Catering may be arranged through a curated list of licensed caterers that are trained in our polices and procedures.

Can alcohol be served at my event?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages must be provided by corporations licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and managed by an Asia Society-approved caterer. The approved caterer will make all beverage arrangements on the licensee's behalf. All TABC laws must be followed while on the premises.

Is rental liability insurance required?

Liability insurance is required for all events.

What are the rental charges and what is included in that cost?

Please contact the Facility Rental team for detailed information about pricing. Rental prices include the facility usage, security, maintenance fees, and complimentary parking.

What are the maximum guest capacities for the various spaces at Asia Society Texas Center?

The attendance capacities depend on both the type of event and the room set-up. For example, the addition of a dance floor will decrease the capacity for a seated reception. However, flexible space utilization configurations can be considered. We highly recommend touring Asia Society Texas Center to determine your needs.

TOP

Can I visit Asia Society Texas Center to see the various spaces available for rentals?

Yes. Please complete our Contact form and a member of our Facility Rental teams will be in touch.


You can learn more about Asia Society Texas at AsiaSociety.org/Texas. Additional photos and a virtual tour of the building can be found on the Space Rental and About the Building pages.

Where can my guests park?

Asia Society Texas Center’s parking lot is located across Southmore Boulevard from the building. Entry gates are located on Caroline and Austin Streets. Access to the parking lot is included in the rental fee. Contract valet services are available

Can your facility be decorated for my event?

Decorations may be installed by an insured decorator. Additional coordinator with Asia Society Texas' Facility Rentals team must be in place to ensure policies and procedures are followed.

Are there any other restrictions regarding the rental of Asia Society Texas Center?

Restrictions include no open flames, fireworks, sparklers, fog machines, berries in decorations, or bubbles on-site. The tossing of birdseed, rice, streamers, or confetti is not permitted. We allow flower petals (pink, peach, yellow, and white) to be thrown outdoors as the wedding couple depart the building. Dance floors and stages must be installed by Asia Society Texas.

Is smoking permitted at Asia Society Texas Center?

Smoking is not permitted inside of Asia Society Texas Center, but is allowed in designated areas outside the building.

Is the art gallery open during events so guests can view the artwork?

If artwork is on display, guests attending events at Asia Society during the facility’s regularly scheduled hours of operation may enjoy complimentary gallery admission to the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery. If requested outside of regularly scheduled hours of operation, additional fees may apply.

May we add additional time to our event?

Yes! Additional fees may apply. Approval of extra time is subject to the availability of Asia Society Texas' staff and contract services.

May we use the facility for our engagement photos, bridal portraits, corporate headshots, etc?

Booked events at Asia Society Texas Center are welcome to use our location for engagement photos and bridal portraits at no additional charge. Sessions should be scheduled with the Facility Rentals team.


If a photo session is not connected with a signed facility rental function, a day-use agreement and payment are required. Please contact our Facility Rentals team for additional information.

What is your policy regarding children and minors?

Children attending events at Asia Society Texas Center must be supervised at all times by their parents or guardians or a babysitting service. All events for youth under the age of 18 must be chaperoned by one adult per every 12 minors. Events taking place without proper supervision, as determined by Asia Society Texas, may result in termination of the event and retention of the security deposit.

What are your policies regarding music and entertainment?

Asia Society Texas abides by the Houston Sound Ordinance, which states in relation to disruptive noise, "Sound cannot exceed 65 decibels during the day and 58 decibels during the night in residential areas. Permits can allow businesses to have sound up to 75 decibels until 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays through Saturdays."

TOP


Share by: