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Retreat & Private Event Venue

Gather Your Executives, Creatives or Guests for Your Retreat or Private Event

Aerial photo of Virginia City

Retreats & Celebrations

The Perfect Retreat Venue

Enjoy our historic property for unique getaways, to reconnect, or celebrate something special.  Only at St. Mary's Art Center will you have such a private and exclusive opportunity to spend time together within a stunning 1876 historic building in magical Virginia City.

Host birthday parties, celebrations of life, reunions, holidays, or a fun weekend getaway with us.  Friends and families are welcome to rent blocks of rooms or the building with 15 guest rooms. Tailor your stay for an exclusive stay with all of our amenities, or, choose a group of guest rooms for a more budget conscious option.

Photo Courtesy of Joe Curtis

A Historic Venue From 1876

A Private, Multi-Dimensional Property

We offer a variety of unique indoor and outdoor spaces unlike any other, perfect for an intimate retreat or celebration.

13,000 square feet

Four floors

50-person maximum capacity*

● Balcony ● Front Porch ● Front Grounds

● Art Studio ● Art Galleries ● Theatre

● Library Lounge ● Museum Exhibitions

● 15 Guest Rooms ● Kitchens

*Contact us to discuss exceptions

Photo Courtesy of Pura Vida Sierras Art

Photo of the front of Art Center property
Photo of Art Center second floor patio with white columns and railings

Relax with Exceptional Views

A Front Row Seat to the View

Our shaded front porch is a beautiful, covered retreat overlooking the front grounds, with stunning views of Virginia City and Mount Davidson.

We're currently refreshing these grounds — transitioning from grass to decomposed granite with a flagstone path, and adding historically appropriate, drought-hardy plants like lilacs, lavender, Russian sage, salvia, and thyme. The new design conserves water, defines the front area with a clear walkway and ceremony space, and adds layers of height, color, and natural beauty year-round.

Contact us for the latest on timing and what to expect during your visit.

Enjoy a Sunny Balcony

A Front Row Seat to the View

This lovely elevated balcony offers an intimate focal point, with the historic 1876 building and town below serving as a gorgeous backdrop.

It's the perfect spot to unwind with city lights and starry skies overhead — favorite refreshment in hand, with friends or co-workers close by.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Photo of a red umbrella and outdoor furniture on a second floor patio
Guest room photo with striped wallpaper, wood floors and two double beds

Charming Guest Rooms

Rest, Recharge, Reconnect

Stay in a one-of-a-kind, historic setting built for immersive business retreats, team offsites or celebrations with friends and family.

Choose from 15 guest rooms, including 7 queen singles, 3 full singles, 3 full doubles, and 2 twin doubles.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Art Studio

Room to Think Big

Original floors, customizable lighting and eclectic decor give the art studio a warm, welcoming feel.

As our largest indoor space, it offers beautiful eastern, southern, and western light throughout the day.

Configure the open floor plan for lectures and presentations, banquets or roundtable discussions with a maximum capacity of 50 guests.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Photo of grey chair fabric covers in an audience layout with a center podium
Photo of wall paintings of landscapes with a woman viewing the art

Art Galleries

Inspiration on Every Floor

Fine art fills the building, from contemporary seasonal exhibitions to our diverse permanent collection.

These ever-changing galleries create natural conversation starters and memorable photo opportunities throughout your stay.

Artwork by Carol Sesko

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Mimi Patrick Library Lounge

A Quiet Corner to Unwind

Tucked on our top floor, the library offers a warm, inviting escape featuring a vintage 1876 quilt and a rotating collection of fine and folk art by Mimi Patrick, alongside an eclectic range of art books.

Use the space for small meetings, casual conversation, games, reading, or simply relaxing between sessions.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Photo of a library room with a draped vintage patchwork quilt over a grey couch
Photo of vintage cinema seating in front of a large-scale projector screen

Louise Curran Theatre

Set the Stage for Your Story

Seating 23 guests, this charming theatre pairs vintage loveseats with 1938 seats salvaged from the former Virginia City Theatre, now Grandma's Fudge.

Use the flexible, multi-purpose space for presentations, training sessions, karaoke, movie nights, or photo slideshows that mark the occasion.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Nooks & Breakout Spaces

Small Spaces, Big Character

Four floors of distinctive architecture create built-in opportunities for cozy niches and breakout areas, like this inviting meeting nook on the third floor.

Use these intimate corners for one-on-one conversations, small-group breakouts, or a quiet moment away from the main event.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Photo of a wooden dining table and chairs with wall art in the background
Photo of vintage-era living room furniture with abstract paintings hanging on the walls

Ambiance, Respite & Technology

Modern Comforts, Timeless Setting

Enjoy simple, reliable technology that adds function and atmosphere to your meeting or celebration:

  • WiFi across all four floors

  • Sonos sound system on every floor

  • Projector and internet-connected computer in the theatre, including personal streaming options

 

We also encourage a break from the everyday: guest rooms and the library stay screen-free, so you can settle into a good book or take in the sunset instead.

 

Rachel Rose Photography

Furnishings, Linens, Serving & Tableware

Everything Set, Nothing Overlooked

Every rental includes folding tables, cafe tables and folding chairs.

As a nod to Nevada's history as the "Silver State," we provide light gray café tablecloths, seat covers, and napkins, with dark gray tablecloths available for larger rectangular tables and added contrast.

Tableware and large-capacity serving and beverage options are also available. Inquire about included and add-on options.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Photo of event space set up with folding tables and gray tablecloths
Photo of a kitchen space with a wooden island, stainless steel fridges and a white porcelain sink

Kitchen Spaces

Cook, Serve and Gather

Choose from two fully equipped kitchens, whether you're catering or preparing meals as a group.

The South Kitchen suits catering and food storage, with a large cooler, residential microwave, oven and small appliances.

 

The North Kitchen is built for serving and dining, featuring a residential refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, oven and range.

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Special Events Brochure, Rates & Resources

Learn more about our offerings:

Pay Your Deposit Here

A rental deposit does not guarantee a date hold or reservation without written confirmation from St, Mary's Art Center staff. Reservations are not considered confirmed until a contract has been executed.

Deposits paid by credit card include a 3% processing fee.

​​​​​​​​​​Have questions?​​

Photo by Pura Vida Sierras Art

Photo of the front of the Art Center covered by trees
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Share Your Opinions and Priorities With Us!​​

Programs have been funded in part by members, donors, the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency,

The National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, a federal agency, Travel Nevada, a state agency.

Additional funding and grants have been provided and support our programming and preservation work by Storey County, Commission for Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation, and Google.

We thank all of our supporters, grantors, and members for their generous contributions, allowing us to continue with our Mission, and preservation of this historic 1876 property.

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© 2026 St. Marys Art Center. All Rights Reserved

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