Book a Bawa-designed space
for your next event!
The Geoffrey Bawa Trust is pleased to offer two unique Bawa-designed properties for private and corporate events. While priority is given to events relating to art, architecture, and ecology, the Trust is open to a range of event types as long as they align with the Trust’s Mission. Please note that ticketed events are not permitted.
Income generated through venue hire contributes directly to the Trust’s work, including conservation of the Geoffrey Bawa Collection and properties, and the development of education, exhibition, and outreach programmes.
For event planning and rates, please contact: events@geoffreybawa.org.
All event inquiries must include:
Property name
Date, time and duration, capacity
Event purpose, including whether it is public or private
De Saram House
Located just off Ward Place in the heart of Colombo 07, the de Saram House was designed by Geoffrey Bawa in 1986. In renovating and connecting two existing buildings on the site, Bawa created a home filled with music, art, and light. The Trust took on the management of the house in 2019, working closely with the de Saram family to fully restore this lyrical house. Photography is allowed only in public spaces, and videography is not permitted at this property. The Music Room cannot be documented in either photo or video formats.
Rental spaces include:
Two outdoor, open-air courtyards
Indoor dining area without air conditioning
A LKR 20,000 refundable deposit is required for all bookings.
Workshops / Meetings (dining room):
Maximum occupancy: 25 pax
Attendee cost: LKR 2,500.00 per person / per hour
Refreshments can be provided twice during the event.
Weddings / Parties (dining room and courtyards):
Maximum occupancy: 50 pax
Half day (up to 04 hours): LKR 100,000.00
Full day (up to 12 hours): LKR 180,000.00
Photoshoots (public spaces only):
Maximum occupancy: 10 pax, including photographers
Personal Photoshoot: LKR 20,000.00 per hour
Commercial Photoshoot: LKR 30,000.00 per hour
Changing room fee: LKR 7,500.00 per hour (subject to availability)
Additional person supplement: LKR 1,500 per person up to 15 pax.
Geoffrey Bawa Space
The Bawa Space is housed in a restored Bawa-designed residential property at the end of a small cul-de-sac off Horton Place. Designed and built between 1959 and 1961, the open-plan gallery space and design store—originally the dining and living areas —feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors and twin atriums overlooking a conversation pit—once pond—and indoor courtyard. Upstairs, the original library, terrace and living area remain intact, while bedrooms have been converted to office spaces for Trust employees.
Rental spaces include:
Downstairs gallery with air-conditioning
First floor terrace and living area (Leopold Lounge) without air-conditioning
First-floor library room with air-conditioning
A LKR 50,000 refundable deposit is required for all bookings.
Events (ground floor with AC):
Maximum occupancy: Up to 80 persons
Half day (up to 4 hours): LKR. 75,000.00
Full day (up to 12 hours): LKR. 150,000.00
Additional time: LKR 20,000 per hour
Subject to GBT exhibitions programme
Events (first floor):
Maximum occupancy: Up to 50 persons
Half day (up to 4 hours): LKR. 50,000.00
Full day (up to 12 hours): LKR. 100,000.00
Additional time: LKR 15,000 per hour
Workshops / Meetings (library with AC):
Maximum occupancy: Up to 20 persons
Up to 2 hours: LKR 35,000
Up to 4 hours: LKR 50,000
Additional time: LKR 7,500 per hour
Booking Process and Rental Fees
To confirm your booking, the rental fee and refundable deposit must be paid in full no later than 10 working days prior to the hire.
Bookings are not considered confirmed until payment is received along with the signed venue hire agreement.
Deposits will be refunded via bank transfer within 20 working days. Please ensure all items are cleared from the premises promptly; otherwise, a late fee of LKR 5,000 per day will be deducted.
Discounts and Partnerships:
Eligible events may qualify for rental-fee discounts.
Venue partnerships are available for public events that align with the Trust’s mission. Partnership events must acknowledge the Geoffrey Bawa Trust as the host partner in all promotional and public relations materials.
Cancellation Policy
Organiser-Initiated Cancellations:
A full refund will be provided if the booking is cancelled at least 7 working days in advance.
Only the refundable deposit will be reimbursed for cancellations made within 7 days of the event or photoshoot.
Venue-Initiated Cancellations
GBT reserves the right to cancel a booking under the following circumstances:
If unforeseen circumstances arise that make the venue unavailable or unsafe (e.g., structural damage, power outages).
If the event is found to violate the Trust’s Mission, or the event agreement terms and conditions.
If it becomes known that the individual(s) or organisation(s) involved in the event are under investigation, facing allegations, or have been accused of misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to, allegations of sexual harassment, violence, or other unethical or criminal behaviour.If such information is brought to our attention after a booking has been confirmed, the Trust retains the right to cancel the booking with immediate effect. In such cases, notice will be provided to the involved parties and deposits or payments will be refunded in full.
Catering
All caterers and vendors for events at Trust Properties need to be approved prior to the event.
Filming & Photography
Photography and filming on the properties for any purposes beyond personal use is only permitted with written approval from the Board of Trustees. Please contact events@geoffreybawa.org to make a request.
Group tours
We recommend that large groups arrange private tours. Please contact events@geoffreybawa.org to book in advance.
Contact Us
To arrange or discuss an event, or to find out rates, please contact events@geoffreybawa.org.
All income generated through venue hire goes towards the conservation and care of the collection and properties as well as the development of the on-going education and exhibition programmes.