Make your celebration extra special with a unique experience at the Montshire. Enjoy beautiful river views, hiking trails, and access to all science exhibits.
The Montshire is an ideal venue for:
Rent the Montshire for your exclusive, private experience!
Renting the Montshire includes options for exclusive evening use of the Museum’s indoor galleries and engaging exhibits.
Private events must be scheduled outside of Montshire business hours.
Pricing includes 4 hours in the space, including set up and clean up time. Events need to have a publicized start time of 5:30pm or later.
Depending on your rental, additional fees may apply.
An insured caterer is required for all food service—no potluck allowed. A Vermont licensed bartender is required for alcohol service.
No pets or smoking on Montshire property except in our parking lot.
Renters are welcome to use tables and seating that are in place around the property, but no arranged seating or tables are provided anywhere except in the Porter Community Room.
The Montshire has a wide range of options available for rent. Choose the space that works best for your event!
Montshire approval is needed for events.
The Anderson Center is ideal for business meetings and presentations. This is the only space in the museum that may be booked during museum hours, based on availability and the discretion of staff. Please note: Montshire approval is needed to schedule all events and meetings.
Set up of tables and chairs
Lectern
Use of wired and wireless microphones
Adjustable LED lighting
Use of projector and screen
Dedicated coat room and storage area
Six modern, non-gendered restrooms (2 fully ADA compliant)
Use of lighted parking lot for after-hours events
Montshire staff member for set-up, event and take-down
Ability to do hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting
Functionality for audio and video devices including HDMI, VGA, ¾”
Music playback
Additional support for your event or meeting may be available. Please contact Molly Nelson at 802.649.2200 x222 for more information.
Seasonally available, weather permitting.
NOTE: Exhibits installed in the Pavilion may need to stay in place for private events; please contact us for more details.
All of our exclusive outdoor exhibits including the Rill
Access to all trails
Outdoor engagement for all ages
Includes Terrace
Complete and submit our Rental Request Form and bring the Montshire experience to your special event. Book your rental today!
Learn more about the ins and outs of renting the Montshire!
For private after-hour events, the Montshire will provide staffing for the event, including:
Outdoor exhibits and facilities are closed during electrical storms.
An alternate event date can be selected at booking, or, with appropriate notice, an outdoor reservation can be changed to indoor (all indoor policies apply).
Renter and MMS staff will consult 12-24 hours in advance of the event to make the decision to reschedule or cancel (cancellation policies apply) the event.
All rentals must be reserved a minimum of two weeks prior to the event date.
A signed agreement with one-half of the rental fee is required to hold a date.
Freestanding decor is allowed. Nothing may be hung on any structure, indoors or outdoors.
Potluck style meals are not allowed. Renter is responsible for contracting and coordinating with a licensed caterer for their event. Alcohol service must be provided by a Vermont licensed caterer and be served and consumed in accordance with Vermont state regulations.
For most events, the Montshire requires a certificate of insurance (COI) naming the Montshire as additional insured for up to $1,000,000 in general liability for the duration of the event.
If Renter cancels their event more than 2 weeks prior to the event date, a full refund of deposit will be made to Renter. Cancellations made by the Renter less than 2 weeks prior to the event are nonrefundable. The Montshire reserves the right to cancel an event and retain the deposit if Renter and guests are unable to comply with Montshire policies.
Reflecting the Montshire’s role in the community and mission, Museum trustees have restricted certain functions held at the Montshire. Events relating to political campaigns, political agendas, or sponsored by political parties are not allowed. Museum administration may choose not to accept requests or cancel events that they consider potentially adverse to the Museum’s operations. Charging admission or selling tickets to an event held at the Montshire is not permitted. Fundraising of any kind is not permitted, nor is selling merchandise.