Theater Rentals

Located in Downtown Austin just minutes from UT's campus and the Texas State Capitol, the Bullock Museum is the ideal central Austin location for your next theater event.

With two theater spaces, the Bullock Museum has hosted a wide variety of events. Past events include film premieres, product launches, conference and community presentations, live-streaming events, private film screenings, live performances, panel discussions, and more.

Our expert technical staff will ensure your event runs smoothly. Custom concessions, catering, and more can be added to make the experience truly unique. View the Venue Rental Theater Guide

Theater Event Spaces

IMAX® Theatre — Perfect for private film screenings, corporate product launches, and multimedia presentations. 329 seats, six-story-high screen with a laser projection system, and 12-channel sound.

Texas Spirit Theater — This theater features three screens and a generously-sized stage that can host film screenings, presentations, and live music. 190 seats, full stage with wings, three screens.

Weddings Private Events About venue rentals

Theater Rental FAQ

How do I book a theater rental at the Museum?

To inquire about availability, please submit an event inquiry. We are happy to place a courtesy hold on your preferred date on a first-come, first-served basis while you are in the initial planning stages for your event. If another party requests the same date, you will have two business days to move to contract and pay the deposit or release the space.

To secure the date, a signed Rental Agreement and deposit of 50% of the agreement total are required. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the event date. The Museum accepts checks made payable to the Texas State History Museum and all major credit cards.

When are the theater rental spaces available?

All rental spaces are available for a four-hour period, between 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., with an additional hour allotted for loadout and clean up. The Grand Lobby and Bob Bullock Atrium are not available for events during Museum operating hours. However, daytime functions can be hosted in the Austin Room, Texas Spirit Theater, and IMAX® Theatre pending availability.

What time can setup start?

Standard access to the Museum and loading dock for all vendors and clients is at 3 p.m. on the day of the event. Vendors and clients are asked to be respectful of Museum guests and maintain a low volume until the Museum closes to the public at 5 p.m. Early load-in requires pre-approval and may be arranged for an additional cost.

What is the rescheduling or cancellation policy?

You have the flexibility to reschedule an event up to 30 days prior to the contracted date. Within 30 days of the event, there is a $250 rescheduling fee, and the date change must be approved first by Bullock Events Staff and made official through a contract amendment.

Cancellations 90 days or more prior to the event are eligible for a refund. Within 90 days of the event, canceling will result in a forfeiture of the deposit.

Are discounts available for theater rentals?

A 20% discount on rental rates is available for nonprofit organizations, local state and government entities, and University of Texas clients who rent the Texas Spirit Theater. Discounts are not applicable to IMAX® Theatre rentals.

Does the Museum require insurance?

Yes, the Museum requires all private clients to provide a certificate of liability insurance, with the Museum named as additional insured, at least 30 days prior to the event. Please inquire for specifics related to State agencies and the University of Texas events.

Can I have an event rehearsal at the Museum?

Rehearsal time can be arranged with prior Event and Theater staff coordination.

Does the Museum have parking?

Complimentary parking is available to guests after 5 p.m. in the Museum garage the day of the event. The capacity of the Museum parking garage is 400 vehicles.

Daytime parking for event guests is available in the Museum garage. Parking is subject to availability and capacity. Learn more about parking at the Museum.

What is the Museum's photography policy?

The client must provide their own photographer and prearrange the date and time for the photoshoot with Bullock Event Staff. Personal use photography is allowed in rental and exhibition spaces. 

Can merchandise be sold at an event?

Any sale of outside merchandise is not permitted on Museum property. With prior coordination, the Museum Store can remain open during an event for an additional cost.

Ready to plan your event at the Bullock Museum? Submit an event inquiry and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.