Rent the Museum

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, at the discretion of staff. It includes:

• Porter Community Room, which includes:

  - Capacity: 50

  - Projector and screen

  - Variety of wired and wireless microphones

  - Lectern

  - Ability to do hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting

  - Inputs for a variety of audio and video devices including HDMI, VGA, ¾”

  - Music playback

  - Adjustable LED lighting

  - Tables and chairs available

• 50 armless chairs

• Ten 8’ rectangular tables

• Ten 4’ round tables

• Ten 5’ round tables

• Four 32” high top tables

• Dedicated coat room and storage area

• Six non-gendered restrooms (2 fully ADA compliant)

• Lighted parking lot

• Access to all exhibits and amenities on both floors of the Museum and the tower

• A lovely space for a small reception, or allow guests to flow outdoors for fresh air

• Access to electricity

• Exhibits on the terrace include Pollinator Garden, Musical Fence, and Lithophone

Weather permitting

• Covered concrete pad serves as a spot for events of all kinds

• Simple track lighting available, as well as access to electricity

• Access road for vendors, including food trucks

NOTE: Exhibits installed in the Pavilion may need to stay in place for private events; please contact us for more details.

Weather permitting, includes Pavilion and Terrace

• All of our exclusive outdoor exhibits including the Rill

• Access to all trails

• Outdoor engagement for all ages

Rental includes:

• The Anderson Center
  
• First and second floor galleries
• Outdoor Terrace
  
• Hughes Pavilion
  
• Full Science Park
  

• Informal and unique event for up to 20 guests

• Pick the location: indoor galleries, Play Grove (river view), Pavilion, Terrace, or Amphitheatre (outdoor venues available weather permitting, May–October)

• Two hours on day of the event: 5:30–7:30pm or 6:00–8:00pm:

• One hour for photos on property with bride, groom, and photographer

• One hour for guests to gather, perform ceremony, and take further photos if desired

• Complimentary visit to scout locations for ceremony and photos; staff are also happy to make recommendations

• Two complimentary guest passes for the newlyweds

Montshire will provide staffing for the event, including:

• preparing spaces prior to start of rental
  
• greeting and checking in guests (if needed)
  
• maintaining the facility during the event, including hand washing and sanitizing stations
  
• monitoring galleries and outside spaces to ensure health and safety protocols are followed by guests and staff
  

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 attendees must wear masks and social distance as much as possible while inside the building. When outside, masks are required when speaking to Montshire staff.

The full list of the Montshire Museum of Science’s current health and safety policies are available on the Montshire’s Visit page. As all guests will need to comply with these guidelines, Renter should review these policies before booking, as well as in advance of their event date as policies may have changed. Any guest demonstrating disregard for the health and safety protocols will be asked to leave.

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.

The balance of the rental fee and a $300 security deposit is due two weeks prior to your event.

Security deposit refunds will be issued within 30 days following the event, assuming there is no damage or unusual custodial requirements—including additional staff time—as a result of the event.

The Montshire does not provide insurance coverage or assume responsibility for the actions of any individual or entity renting the facilities. Liability and/or property damage arising from the group’s actions is the responsibility of the group or person that has reserved the space.

If Renter cancels their event more than 3 weeks prior to the event date, a full refund of deposit will be made to Renter. If Renter cancels 2 weeks before the event, 50% of deposit is forfeited. Cancellations made by the Renter less than two 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 health, safety and other 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.