Q: Do rentals need to occur during Museum hours?
Rental events can be scheduled for any day in the year, including holidays, from 7:30 am- 10:30 pm. Regular museum hours are 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday, and 1 pm – 5pm on Sunday. If your rental time does not fall within regular museum hours, you are charged an after-hours fee of $175.
Q: Does the Museum take reservations for events? Would the Museum be available for last-minute scheduling?
The Museum does not take reservations or place dates on hold. Your event date is confirmed after we have received a signed rental agreement and payment of the security and damage deposit. If you are interested in renting space at the Museum, we request that you complete our online Rental Space Application Form.
The Museum cannot accept last-minute events. The latest we can receive a request is by the 15th day of the month preceding the month of your event.
Q: Can we rent Museum space for our weekly group gathering?
The Museum is not able to accommodate any regular weekly, monthly or recurring gatherings, and we do not accept rental requests more than one year in advance.
Q: Does the Museum allow alcohol at rental events?
Yes, the Museum has a liquor license and can offer a cash bar, or an open bar. All alcohol for an event or performance needs to be served by the museum’s TIPS – certified bartenders, who have the right to refuse service to anyone.
You cannot bring any outside alcoholic beverage into the Museum. Any alcohol served by the museum bartenders must be consumed within the museum.
Q: Are we able to decorate and personalize our event? Can we use candles?
You can personalize the atmosphere, but there are a few limitations, including no tape or holes in the walls.
The museum does not allow for smoke or any open flames during any event. Electric or battery operated candles are recommended.
Q: Does the Museum require insurance?
Liability insurance is required based on risk assessment. If you have a large event, an event open to the public, or if you are offering alcohol, you will need to purchase liability insurance for your event from an insurance provider.
For smaller meetings or events, insurance may not be required.
Q: Does the Museum rent round tables and table cloths for weddings or event dinners?
The Museum does not have large round dining tables or tablecloths for weddings or large dinner events. These would need to be rented and delivered to the Museum, and picked up after your event. Chairs are also often rented for special dinners.
The museum does have several 30″ round café tables and high-top tables for receptions.
In addition, the museum also has several 5′ and 6′ rectangular folding tables. We also have several cushioned chairs or auditorium style seating, as well as classroom chairs for meetings and less formal events. These are offered at no additional cost, as needed.
Q: Is access to the Museum exhibits included with the rental?
No, the cost of the rental does not include access to any museum exhibit. However, if you would like to have access to specific Museum exhibits, we will work with you to make those arrangements. This would be an add-on to your rental agreement.
Q: Can we rent space at the museum for just an hour or two?
The minimum time to rent the Kaiser C Classroom, or the Courtyard patio, is 3 hours. The minimum time to rent the Stewart Auditorium or the Swan Atrium is 4 hours. The minimum time to rent the Stewart Family Pavilion and Courtyard is 5 hours. The rental period always includes time before your event to set up, and it also includes time at the end to clean up and carry out the trash before your departure.
Q: What is included when renting space from the Museum?
Rentals include:
- a building supervisor
- use of Museum chairs and tables
- access to the service kitchen area
- assistance with set-up and break-down, appropriate to your event.
All rental spaces include a cash bar add-on option
Q: If I signed a rental agreement and plans change, can I get my deposit back?
Full rental payment is due not less than 30 days before your event date. If you cancel more than 30 calendar days before your scheduled event, the Museum will fully refund the Security Deposit and any payments you have made. If you cancel within 30 calendar days from event, the rental payment is retained, but the Security Deposit will be returned.
If the cancellation is the result of public regulations, civil tumult, inclement weather, an epidemic or other legitimate causes beyond the control of you or the museum, all deposits and payments will be refunded to you.
Questions pertaining to the Stewart Auditorium
Q: What is included when renting the Stewart Auditorium?
The Swan Atrium, as the lobby, is included with the rental of the Stewart Auditorium. You also have Backstage Access, including access to our two dressing rooms.
Auditorium rentals include:
- One tech person to operate equipment in the sound booth
- A Projector and theater sized screen
- Basic sound and lighting
- An additional tech person for sound or lighting can be added, at a cost of $45 an hour.
- For performance rentals, Kaiser C is included as a green room.
Q: How many wheelchair seats are in the auditorium?
There are five spaces designated for wheelchairs in the Stewart Auditorium.
Q: What other equipment and services does the museum offer with the auditorium rental?
Optional additional costs include:
- Risers for choral performances – $250
- Concert Grand Piano, includes tuning – $500
Q: Do I have to use the ticketing service at the Museum?
No, you can sell your own tickets. We can provide tables for you to check tickets at the entrance.
Q: What is the cost to use the Museum ticketing service?
The Museum ticketing service includes:
- Selling tickets online or at our front desk
- People to check tickets upon admission
The costs for the museum’s ticketing service includes:
- Basic set up fee – $75
- Ticket fee – $1.50 per ticket
- Credit Card Processing fee – 3.5%
- Reprinting ticket – $0.50 per ticket
If the ticketing service is contracted and then cancelled, there will be a $50 cancellation fee.
Q: Does the Museum promote our event?
No, the Museum cannot promote your event.
