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Museum Event Policies & FAQs

Museum Event Policies

  • 50% non-refundable rental deposit required 2 weeks after booking.
  • Walk-through with Approved Caterer and Museum Special Events Staff at least 4 weeks before event.
  • An ABC Banquet License (if applicable), and Event Liability Insurance are required for all events. Copies of both should be sent to the Museum 2 weeks before the event.
  • Final payment and $300 security deposit sent to the Museum 30 Days before event date.

FAQs

It all starts with your space. If you’re unfamiliar with our site, you’re encouraged to schedule a complimentary rental tour to view our venues. Once you know the space you’d like to rent we will need the event information to begin drafting your agreements.

If you would like to reserve an indoor venue, we require a finalized contract, signed Policies & Procedures agreement, refundable security deposit, and 50% of your rental fee to hold your event. If your event is within 30 days of a finalized contract, the aforementioned and 100% of your fee is due to hold your event. All park venues are reserved by supplying signed agreements, Beautification Fee, and 100% of the rental fee.

Facility rentals require a security deposit, refundable depending upon any damages sustained to Museum property or additional services rendered. Park rentals require a non-refundable Park Beautification Fee that is applied in an effort to preserve our Park. The Mariners’ Museum and Park is a privately owned and maintained institution that receives no federal, state, or city funding. Please let us know if you are interested in donating your security deposit as a tax deductible gift to our annual fund in an effort to enhance our venues.

Facility event start times vary by the space rented; all facility events must end by 11:00 p.m. Park event times vary by length of rental.

Facility events include the use of Museum furniture, listed below. No Museum furniture is provided for Park events.

  • 300 padded chairs
  • 2 4-foot round tables
  • 25 5-foot round tables
  • 15 6-foot banquet tables
  • 15 8-foot banquet tables
  • 12 hightop tables
  • 24 hightop chairs
  • 1 portable wet bar
  • 1 portable podium

Coat racks, easels, yard sign stakes, and other various items are also available. Please discuss any and all needs with the Venue Coordinator.

Museum staff will set up and break down all Museum provided furniture at no additional cost. Set up and break down of anything not provided by the Museum falls under the responsibility of the rental client.

The Museum and some Park areas provide free self-parking to all event participants.

For directions to the Museum, click here.

All ceremonial cake or cupcakes may be obtained from any vendor. All food and beverages for facility events must be provided by a caterer from the Museum’s Approved Caterers List. Park events may provide their own food and beverages.

You are free to utilize services from any event rental, musical entertainment, transportation service, etc. All vendors are subject to Protection Services approval.

Yes. If the alcohol is not being served by the approved caterer, it is the clients’ responsibility to provide proper ABC licensing at least (15) days prior to the event in order to insure the service provider.

Proper licensing can be obtained here.

We require Event Liability Insurance naming The Mariners’ Museum and Park as an additional insured on the policy, available through any insurance company, for all Museum and Park events. Proper coverage amounts can be found in your rental contract.

Daytime event guests are always welcome to enjoy the Museum free of charge. In the evening, the USS Monitor Center, the Museum Main Loop, or both can be left accessible to guests during your event for an additional fee. Navigator-guided tours are also available upon request based on scheduling.

Unless requested and based upon staff availability, the Gift Shop is not normally open for after-hours events.

Contact Us

Special Events Team
[email protected]
(757) 591-5124

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