Montshire Museum of Science

MCA Museum Rental

The Montshire offers a variety of rental spaces to meet your needs, and can accommodate up to 350 guests. You may rent the Museum building any time of year, which includes access to our indoor exhibit galleries, theater, and the Porter Community Room. From mid-May through September you may add the Museum's two-acre Science Park and the Hughes Pavilion to your rental. (Please note that Science Park and the Hughes Pavilion may not be rented separately.)

If you're interested in adding a truly extraordinary experience to your event, we can provide staff-led, science-based activities that are ideally suited for your guests.

Montshire Corporate Associates may choose from three different Museum rental options and receive special rates when renting space for meetings, workshops, presentations, or parties. Learn about becoming an MCA Member.

Submit an online request to rent the Museum

Option 1: Museum Building Rental

The Museum building with two stories of exciting hands-on exhibits, a central atrium, and a vaulted ceiling, creates a setting that exudes both grandeur and intimacy. All Museum rentals include use of the Porter Community Room and adjacent kitchen, and the Museum Theater.

Amenities included:

• 150 chairs
• Tables:
  • Ten rectangular tables measuring 8' x 1.5'
  • Eight round tables measuring 4'
  • Four round tables measuring 5'
• Dropdown screen
• Zoned lighting on dimmer switches
• Kitchen for heating and serving food (adjacent to Community Room)
• Access to the Museum galleries and exhibits, including visiting exhibitions
• Lighted parking for 225 cars

Option 2: Museum Building, Science Park and Hughes Pavilion (mid May - September)

Science Park includes intriguing outdoor exhibits, a lovely terrace, and nature trails along the banks of the Connecticut River. The recently constructed 2400-square-foot Hughes Pavilion is an architecturally unique, tensile membrane structure located on the northwest corner of Science Park. The open-sided pavilion provides beautiful views of Science Park and the Wind Wall, environmentally thoughtful landscaping, and access for catering vehicles. A truly spectacular setting for a memorable event!

Additional amenities include use of (in addition to everything in Option 1):

• Ten six-foot picnic tables under the pavilion
• Eight six-foot picnic tables on the nearby lawn
• Lighting in the pavilion and path lighting in Science Park
• Restroom facilities adjacent to the pavilion

Option 3: Porter Community Room

Montshire Corporate Associates are offered the exclusive opportunity to rent the Museum's 1800-square-foot Porter Community Room for meetings, workshops, presentations or parties. The Community Room is located on the first floor of the Museum, and depending upon the configuration, it can comfortably accommodate up to 120 people. Learn more about the Montshire Corporate Associates.

Amenities provided:

• 150 chairs
• Tables:
  • Ten rectangular tables measuring 8' x 1.5'
  • Eight round tables measuring 4'
  • Four round tables measuring 5'
• Dropdown screen
• Zoned lighting on dimmer switches
• Kitchen for heating and serving food (adjacent to Community Room)
• Access to the Museum galleries and exhibits, including visiting exhibitions
• Lighted parking for 225 cars

Services available for an additional fee include: Educational demonstrations and activities led by our professional staff, setting up Museum chairs and tables, and clean-up. Our special events coordinator will be happy to discuss these options with you. Rental of the Community Room does not include access to the Museum galleries or exhibits.

Museum policies for MCA use of the Community Room

Presentation equipment

You are responsible for providing any necessary electronic equipment such as a microphone, projector, and speakers.

Set-up and cleanup

You may use the chairs and tables provided by the Museum for your event, but you are responsible for setting up the room, returning everything to its found condition, and cleaning up after your event. This includes cleaning the kitchen, removing all food and belongings, and disposing of trash and recycling. Rental of the Community Room alone does not include the on-site services of the Montshire's special events coordinator.

Food and Beverage Service

The kitchen adjacent to the Community Room is available for use by an approved caterer for prepared food assembly and service. In accordance with Vermont law, only a Vermont-licensed caterer may serve alcohol.

Insurance / Liability

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

Decorations

Decorations or posters may not be nailed, screwed, or taped to walls, ceilings, or any painted surface.
Open flames of any type, including candles and portable cooking fuel, are not permitted.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in the Museum.

MCA Rental Hours and Fees

Hours

Set up in the Community Room and pavilion may begin at 4:00 p.m. and guests may arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. The standard rental period ends at 10:00 p.m., but may be extended on an hourly basis.

Rental fees

• Option 1: Museum Building rental - $1025 (a savings of $250)
• Option 2: Museum Building, Science Park, and Hughes Pavilion - $1725 (a savings of $250)
• Option 3: Porter Community Room - $425 (available only to MCA members)

Hourly rate after 10:00 p.m.

• Option 1: $250/hour
• Option 2: $350/hour
• Option 3: $115/hour

Only Montshire Corporate Associates qualify for these rental rates.

Services available for an additional fee: Educational demonstrations and activities led by our professional staff, setting up Museum chairs and tables, moving picnic tables (pavilion), moving interior exhibits, and clean-up. Our special events coordinator will be happy to discuss these options with you.


Submit an online request to rent the Museum

Join The Montshire Corporate Associates

Museum Rental Rates
Museum Renal Policies & Guidelines