General Information

Rental Policies

• An additional hourly rate will apply to rentals that exceed 4 hours.
• Guests can tour the Museum galleries or take a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the new USS Monitor Center Conservation Wing. Additional fees apply.
• Tables and chairs are available at no additional charge.
• The Museum has a preferred list of florists, rental companies, and audio-visual contacts to assist in planning your function.
• All events must use a caterer from the Museum's approved list.
• Setup can begin as early as 3:00 PM the day of the event, depending on event start time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring in my own caterer?
Can we bring in a band?
Where do we park?
What time can my event start and end?
How can I hold an event space?
Is the security deposit refundable?
What if I need to cancel my event?
Do the event spaces have any restrictions?
Does the museum have any furniture available?
Will the museum be open for guests to tour?
Will the gift shop be open?
Can we serve alcohol at our event?

Can I bring in my own caterer?
1. The Mariners' Museum requires all events to use a caterer from the approved catering list. Please see the Vendors page for the list.

Can we bring in a band?
2. Yes, The Mariners' Museum allows bands or DJs to play in any of our event spaces.

Where do we park?
3. The Mariners' Museum has over 400 parking spaces available that are adjacent to the museum areas.

What time can my event start and end?
4. Event start times vary depending on the spaces utilized. All events must end by 11:00 p.m.

How can I hold an event space?
5. If you are interested in reserving a space, the museum can place a hold on the date for up to one week before finalizing a contract. To assure that your date is set on the events calendar, a signed contract, 50% rental fee and security deposit are required.

Is the security deposit refundable?
6. Yes, the security deposit is refunded after the event as long as there is no damage to the event area(s).

What if I need to cancel my event?
7. Events can be canceled without any additional fees applied up to 90 days in advance. If possible, the events staff is happy to re-schedule for a different date.

Do the event spaces have any restrictions?
8. Being a museum with many priceless artifacts, there are no candles allowed in any of our indoor event spaces. Additionally, no decorations can be attached to ceilings, walls, or paintings.

Does the museum have any furniture available?
9. The Mariners' Museum is able to provide the following furniture for all events without any additional charge:

• 300 Padded chairs
• 20 5-foot round tables
• 15 6-foot banquet tables
• 15 8-foot banquet tables
• 12 Hightop tables
• 3 4-foot round tables
• Easels

Will the museum be open for guests to tour?
10. The gallery spaces may be open for guests to tour for an additional fee. This also includes The Monitor Center.

Will the gift shop be open?
11. Unless requested as a part of the event and based upon staff availability, the gift shop is not normally open for after-hours events.

Can we serve alcohol at our event?
12. With proper ACB licensing, alcohol may be served during an event.

For consultation on your special event, please contact us at:

The Mariners' Museum
Attn: Special Events Department
100 Museum Drive
Newport News, VA 23606

Phone: 757-591-5124 or 1-800-581-7245
Fax: 757-591-7311
Email: events@marinersmuseum.org