Farnsworth Pavilion
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people does Farnsworth fit?
Farnsworth accommodates up to 100 people lecture style, and 80 people dining style, but only 60 with a small dance floor.
Q: What is included with the rental fee?
The rental fee includes tables and chairs and set up. For dining we use 60" round tables and navy padded metal chairs, but you can bring others if you wish. The same chairs are used for lectures.
Q: How long and during what portion of the day can Farnsworth be rented?
For as long as you want, but the rental fee includes from 1 to 6 hours, including setup and tear down times. There are additional fees charged for early opening and late closing, plus $50-$100 for extra hours.
Q: How much does it cost to book the Farnsworth?
It depends on the time of year, and on the hours. Cost varies from $1,200 and up, plus a $135 fee for insurance at all times.
Q: Where should I send my payments?
Tim Abraham,
Student Center - MS 530
Rice University
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892
Q: To what address should I send my guests to?
Rice University
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005
Q: Are food and/or alcoholic drinks allowed on campus?
Yes, both. Alcohol can be served, but you will need to hire security through Rice police. If you charge for admission, or sell the alcohol, you will need to have a special permit from TABC.
Q: Can it be catered by anyone of my choosing?
Yes, you are allowed to select anyone you want. All we need is a copy of the catering license (commercial liability insurance) of the restaurant/business of your choice. If you need help finding someone, below is a list of businesses which have already catered events on campus, and are familiar with our guidelines.
Q: Would the caterers need to meet with us ahead of time?
Yes, it is best if they see the space they have to work with ahead of time.
Q: What about parking?
Parking is not free, nor included with the rental. If you would like to pay for your guests, we sell parking validations for $8 each. The underground garage, under the Jones School of Business, is the closest parking lot to the Rice Memorial Center or Student Center.
Q: Can we use AV equipment? If so, what equipment is available?
Yes, you may use AV equipment. However, there is a fee associated with each rental. We have microphones, sound systems, projectors, DVD players, camcorders, and other audio and visual equipment for you to use for your event. Please contact Tim Abraham at tabraham@rice.edu for pricing or any other questions you may have about AV equipment.