Garden Guidelines

Guidelines for Garden gatherings

Gatherings of 25 or fewer are permitted in the garden without a reservation as long as attendees follow existing visitor guidelines.

Gatherings of more than 25 should be organized through OMCA’s Event Sales Department. Please contact the Event Sales Department for private event inquiries of 26 or more people.

Check our website in the morning before arriving to make sure the Garden has not been closed to the public for any reason.

In the event of inclement weather, visitors are not permitted to move their Garden activities into gallery or other spaces within the Museum without prior approval from OMCA staff. 

• Small gatherings may use the garden furniture on a first come first served basis. Garden furniture may not be rearranged.
• Lawn space is first-come, first serve. Guests may bring blankets or low chairs that rest on the ground with a low back. Tall chairs are not permitted.
• Acoustic instruments are allowed in the garden when there are no other OMCA programs or events taking place. Amplified sound is not permitted.
• Still photography for personal, noncommercial use is permitted. Only handheld cameras with attached standard flash equipment are allowed. No auxiliary flash, lighting equipment, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, or drones are permitted. Please see our full policy for details.
• Please do not draw on the ground or tables. This includes using sidewalk chalk, paint, spray, markers, and crayons. 
• Distribution of fliers or promotional materials is not permitted without prior approval. Contact [email protected] with requests.
• Surveying and petition signature gathering is not permitted without prior approval. Contact [email protected] with requests.
• Skateboarding, roller-skating, scootersand bike riding are not permitted.
• Non-service animals are not permitted.
• Outside vending is not permitted.
• Shoes and clothing are required.
• Please pack out your trash.
• Commercial and wedding photography are only permitted by prior arrangement.
• Only alcoholic beverages that have been purchased at OMCA’s cafe or a Museum approved bartender are permitted.
• Littering and dumping are not permitted. Please use the trash, compost, and recycling bins provided to dispose of waste, including ice.
• Fundraising, selling wares, food, or services, collecting donations or registration/entrance fees, or solicitation of any type of funds are not allowed at OMCA without prior approval and an event rental contract from the OMCA Event Sales Department.
• Deliveries, such as but not limited to catered food and beverages, flowers, decor, or balloons without approval and an Event Sales Contract.
• If you bring balloons, make sure to take them with you when you depart.
• Only battery operated candles are permitted (no flames allowed).
• No private event signage may be used unless part of a rental contract and approved by Event Sales.
• No decor attached to any surfaces, windows or landscaping is permitted.
• No staking in the grass.
• No fires or BBQs.
• No pop-up tents.