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Rent the Montshire for your exclusive, private experience!
Rent the Museum
Enjoy an exclusive private experience at the Montshire!
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:
- Corporate Meetings and Retreats
- Employee Appreciation
- Reunions and Memorials
- Celebrations — retirements, anniversaries, vow renewals, baby showers, bridal showers, rustic weddings
Book Your Rental!
Complete and submit our Rental Request Form and bring the Montshire experience to your special event. Book your rental today!
Looking for a space for a children’s birthday party?
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.
Basic Policy
- Daytime rentals are limited to meetings in the Porter Community Room in the Anderson Center. Pricing begins at $700.
- After hours events include access to museum galleries and can start at 5:30 or later. Pricing begins at $1650.
- Depending on your rental, additional fees may apply.
- An insured caterer is required for all food service—no potluck allowed. A Vermont licensed caterer is required for alcohol service.
- No pets or smoking on Montshire property except in our parking lot.
Spaces for Rent
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.
Indoors
The Anderson Center / Porter Community Room
The Anderson Center is ideal for social gatherings as well as for business meetings and presentations: it 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.
Access to all exhibits and amenities on both floors of the Museum and the tower
Basic Rental includes:
Capacity: 80 (table seating) to 120 (theater style seating)
Set up of tables and chairs
Lectern
Use of wireless microphone
Adjustable LED lighting
Use of projector and screen, including HDMI cable for laptop (provided by Renter)
Dedicated coat room and storage area
Six modern, non-gendered restrooms (2 fully ADA compliant)
Use of lighted parking lot
Montshire staff member for set-up, event and take-down
Rental + Tech Support
- Functionality for Renter to manage audio and video devices for presentations
- Music playback
Additional support for your event or meeting may be available. Please contact Mary at 802.649.2200 x226, mary.gaetz@montshire.org for more information.
Outdoors
Hughes Pavilion
Seasonally available, weather permitting.
- Covered concrete pad serves as a spot for events of all kinds
- Simple track lighting available, as well as access to electricity
- Picnic tables and Adirondack chairs
- Outdoor restrooms
- 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.
Science Park
- All of our exclusive outdoor exhibits including the water features
- Access to all trails
- Outdoor engagement for all ages
- Includes Terrace
Rental of All Space Options
Rental includes:
- The Anderson Center
- First and second floor galleries
- Outdoor Terrace
- Hughes Pavilion
- Full Science Park
Book Your Rental!
Complete and submit our Rental Request Form and bring the Montshire experience to your special event. Book your rental today!
Museum Rental Details
Learn more about the ins and outs of renting the Montshire!
Staffing
For private after-hour events, the Montshire will provide staffing for the event, including:
- preparing spaces prior to start of rental
- greeting and directing guests
- maintaining the facility during the event
- monitoring galleries and outside spaces
Weather
Outdoor exhibits and facilities are closed during thunderstorms.
An alternate event date can be selected at booking, or, if contracted, an outdoor reservation can be changed to indoor (all indoor policies apply).
Renter and MMS staff will consult 24-36 hours in advance of the event to make the decision to reschedule or cancel (cancellation policies apply) the event.
Rental Fees and Deposits
All rentals must be reserved a minimum of two weeks prior to the event date.
A signed contract with one-half of the rental fee is required to hold a date.
Food and Decorations
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.
Insurance and Liability
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.
Cancellations
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.
Fine Print
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.
