Facility Rental | Services and Add-On Options

Site Tours

The best way to see how the Museum will be the perfect venue for your event is to come by and see it. We’ll show you all the space and talk the options that would best fit your style and your needs. Tours are available Tuesday through Fridays and generally run one hour. Contact the Rentals Manager to set up a time for a tour and consultation.

Event Coordination

It’s your party, you should enjoy it! Let us be your one-stop shop for all your party needs. We’ll coordinate your arrangements with vendors and facilitate logistics from the moment you sign the contract until the last guest leaves. We strive to make sure every detail is considered and you and your guest truly have an extraordinary experience. Your Assigned Coordinator will help you determine a timeline and set-up diagram, submit rental order for linens, dishware, equipment, etc., coordinate third-party deliveries, and assist in setting up table décor, centerpieces, etc.

Wedding Rehearsals

For  wedding ceremony we provide time the day before to rehearse the ceremony and review logistics.  Rehearsal times for ceremonies on the lawn or under the tent can take place at any time, provided it is finished no later than 6:30 p.m. Rehearsals for ceremonies inside the Butterfly Conservatory must begin between 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and must be finished no later than 6:30 p.m. Any rehearsal going over the complimentary hour may be invoiced to the client at the rate of $35 for every thirty minutes.
(Complimentary)

Enhance your Experience – Package Add-Ons

Make your special event truly extraordinary. We invite you to bring life and science closer to your guests.  Have exclusive use of the Ellerbe Creek Railway and share the fun the train rides bring to you and your guests. Get up close and person with one of our animals, learn why some beers taste bitter or why astronauts wear space suits! Have a Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream social or engage your teams in a scavenger hunt.

Décor

Museum does not provide décor, dishes, flatware, glasses, flowers or linens. As part of our Event Coordination service, we will coordinate a rental order for such items.

You are welcome to bring in their own decorations but must advise the Rental & Events Manager of the items prior to delivery. Museum reserves the right to deny décor items if it is determined the item(s) would constitute a safety hazard to guests, Museum staff and/or Museum animals.

The following items are not permitted:

• Balloons, of any kind, are not permitted anywhere on Museum grounds,
• No small plastic items such as fake flowers, confetti, stir sticks, etc.,
• Fire or open flames. Candles must be in containers that keep the flame below the rim of the container are permitted.

The Fine Print!

Rental packages include event rental time, early access to set-up and take down, cleaning fee, Museum representatives, and parking. Use of the Museum’s banquet tables and chairs is also included. Because the Museum is open to the public until 5 p.m., evening rentals start at 6:30 p.m. or later to allow for proper cleaning and set-up.

To reserve your Event or for more information:

Email: Rental & Events Manager
Phone: 919-220-5429 x400