Avalon

•Ratings include Zola and Google reviews

Guest capacity

Up to 225 seated guests


About this venue

Ideally located on Rice Park, only a moment away from lodging, the Mississippi River and multiple downtown attractions, Avalon is a breathtaking historic venue situated in the former James J. Hill Reference Library. Soaring pillars, ornate stonework, marble floors and multiple levels of original bookshelves frame this gorgeous open space.


Our event spaces

Reading Room

With its storied past and stunning architecture, Avalon offers a backdrop of breathtaking grandeur for an unforgettable event.

The Reading Room offers 5,800+ square feet of event space which can be used for a number of unique layout options.

Guest capacity

2-250 Seated

2-275 Standing

Square footage

5,800

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

Reading Room

With its storied past and stunning architecture, Avalon offers a backdrop of breathtaking grandeur for an unforgettable event.

The Reading Room offers 5,800+ square feet of event space which can be used for a number of unique layout options.

Guest capacity

2-250 Seated

2-275 Standing

Square footage

5,800

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”


Available services that can be provided by Avalon

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Clean up
  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event staff
  • Pet friendly
  • Set up
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

15 reviews

  • KM

    Kristyan Mjolsnes

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •Sep 28, 2026

    The Avalon is a unique and beautiful venue for a photoshoot - my daughter did her senior photos here. I can only imagine how amazing it would be for a wedding! The variety of spaces, grand main hall, and the detail and care of the renovation is impressive. Kelly and Tara were so great to work with. Thank you!

  • AT

    Ashleigh Thao

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •Aug 28, 2026

    We truly had such an amazing experience with Avalon, and Kelly was a HUGE part of that! From the very beginning, Kelly was so organized, attentive to detail, and always made sure everything was clear not only for us, but for all of our vendors. She provided so many helpful resources based on the specs of the venue and made the entire process feel seamless. Our vendors seemed to have absolutely nothing to worry about because Kelly was already on top of everything. On our wedding day, she was ALWAYS there when we needed her. At one point I asked if we could turn the AC up, and before I could even finish worrying about it, she was already on her way to do it! It was those little moments that really showed just how attentive she was. Whether we needed an extra table, help with the space, or anything else from the venue, she made it happen. Avalon itself is truly such a beautiful venue. The getting-ready rooms were nicely lit and photographed beautifully. I had six bridesmaids, so fitting everyone into one room for glam was a little tight, but even with that, Kelly helped make everything with the space feel smooth and seamless. This is definitely a venue where you’ll want to be intentional and play around with your layout to get the best function and flow for your guest count, but it is SO worth it. The space is beautiful, unique, and made our wedding feel so special. We received so many compliments from our friends and family about how beautiful everything looked. We are so grateful to Kelly and the entire Avalon team for helping make our wedding day everything that it was. 🤍

    Avalon•Aug 29, 2026

    Thank you so much for the kind words, Ashleigh! It was a pleasure to work with you and Christian 🫶

  • TW

    Tiffany Waskey

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •May 20, 2026

    An incredibly beautiful venue. Kelly was marvelously helpful. We had a wedding reception here and it is truly spectacular. Parking can be tricky, but the space itself is perfection. Gorgeous rooms, plentiful restrooms, an ambience of lush library and Regency area vibe.

  • M(

    Mac Hawley (Mac)

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •Apr 12, 2026

    It's a giant event space surrounded by an engineering library. Think Ghostbusters.

  • CR

    Connor Remes

    Rating: 5
    •Google
    •Mar 30, 2026

    Stunning space! Nothing like it


April, May, June, July, August, September, October
No, however there are many nearby ramps and metered parking spots. Valet service could also be hired via a third party company.
Yes, we have an street level entryway at the Kellogg Blvd side of our building and an elevator.
Standard rental for Monday - Thursday is 8 hours, and 12 hours for Friday - Sunday. Additional venue access can be added for $250/hour during your planning process.
Full venue access, including main reading room, lower lobby and private dressing rooms. Staging Kitchen for Caterers Venue Manager Support Staff (set up and strike of all venue furniture) 32 60" Round Banquet Tables 10 96" x 30" Long Banquet Tables 4 72" x 30" Long Banquet Tables 250 Folding Black Chairs
No, but if you would like to obtain special event insurance, you're more than welcome to!
~150 for ceremony + reception ~225 for receptions and ~250 for cocktail style parties
November, December, January, February and March
No. Outside liquor will be prohibited.