FAQs for Renting the Montshire Museum

Does facility rental include the entire building?

The basic Museum building rental includes access to the Community Room and all indoor exhibit spaces. You have full access to both floors of exhibits, including traveling exhibitions that may be on display, and to the Observation Tower.

Can we hold our event outdoors?

For an additional fee, you may rent both the Museum building and Science Park for your event. See our Availability and Fees section for more information.

How large an event may we hold?

The Montshire can comfortably accommodate up to 450 people inside the building. The Community Room can seat up to 150 guests if food is being served. For meetings with auditorium-style seating, the Community Room can accommodate up to 150 people (180 if the AV screen is not required).

Are there restrictions on what events can be held at the Montshire?

Reflecting the Montshire's role in the community, Museum trustees have restricted certain functions in Montshire's facilities. Fund-raising and political campaign events are not accepted. The Museum may also choose not to accept rentals if the proposed event may adversely affect the Montshire's neutral stance on political, social, environmental, or economic issues.

How accessible is the Montshire?

At the Montshire Museum you'll discover a facility that is easy to get to, easy to access, easy to enjoy. The paved parking lot includes handicapped parking spaces close to the building. There is an elevator leading to the second floor of exhibits (the Observation Tower is not accessible by wheelchair). Bathrooms are handicapped-accessible, as are many outdoor spaces including Science Park and some walking trails.

What about parking?

The Museum has a paved parking lot with spaces for 225 vehicles and designated bus parking close to the Museum entrance. The parking lot is well lit in the evening hours and plowed in the wintertime, and sidewalks provide safe and easy entry to the building. There is no extra fee for parking.

When is the Museum available for rental?

The Museum is available for outside events anytime during the year except Christmas, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Dates fill quickly, so we recommend that you reserve a date as early as possible.

What time can we hold our event?

The Montshire closes to the public at 5 p.m. Your event may begin at 5:30 and you may use the building until 10 p.m. Please remember to allow time at the end of the event for your cleanup! If you'd like to stay in the building later than 10 p.m., please let us know beforehand--the fee is $100/hour after 10 p.m.

May I come to the Museum early to set up for my event?

Yes, you and/or your caterers may begin preparations for your event in our Community Room as early as 3:30 p.m. If you'd like to set up tables or decorations in the exhibit galleries, you may do so beginning at 5 p.m. when our doors close to the public.

May we serve food?

Our Community Room kitchen is fully equipped with two ovens, two sinks, dishwasher and refrigerator. Professional caterers can prepare food for your event in the kitchen, and the Community Room has plenty of space for seated meals of casual snacking. Please understand we cannot accommodate potluck meals and that food and drink are restricted to the Community Room.

If we rent Science Park, may we serve food outdoors?

Yes, food and drink may be served and eaten on the Terrace or within Science Park. We have picnic tables in Science Park for this purpose. You can also set up tables outside with prior approval from the Montshire.

What kinds of permits/licensing are required?

If alcohol is served, State Law requires that it be served by caterers and bar servers who are licensed by the state of Vermont.

May I bring my own AV equipment?

There is a large drop-down screen in the Community Room that you are welcome to use. You will need to furnish all other audio-visual equipment for your event.

May we decorate for our event?

Yes, but please keep in mind that nails, screws, and tape can damage or walls and ceilings. Please check with us before planning your decorations, and we'll do our best to work with you to make them fit into our facility.

May we install tents on the property?

The Museum's outdoor landscape is an integral part of the visitor experience. To avoid damage to outdoor exhibits and natural areas, we can't accommodate tents. But we can suggest other arrangements for outdoor setups that work at our facility.

Are we responsible for cleanup?

You'll be responsible for removing all materials that don't belong in the Museum, including decorations, dishes and cookware, glassware, and guest belongings, etc. Your caterer is responsible for placing trash in the dumpster at the loading dock entrance (food garbage and ice may not be left on site). The Montshire recycles paper, glass, cans, and plastic and we encourage you to do so: sorted recyclables can go in our recycle containers or taken off site for later disposal. You are responsible for all extraordinary cleaning costs incurred, above and beyond routine sweeping floors and wiping surfaces.

May I visit the Museum ahead of time to plan my event?

Yes, indeed. Please make an appointment during our regular office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and we'll be happy to show you around.

How far in advance do I need to register for my event?

Reservations for paid rentals can be made anytime. The Museum is a popular venue and dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so please reserve early! Non-profit organizations wishing free use of the Community Room may register no earlier than two months before the date of their event. See our non-profit guidelines for more details.

How do I set up a date for my event?

For reservations or to check on availability, please contact MJ Clark at the Montshire at 802-649-2200 or e-mail mj.clark@montshire.org.

When and how do I pay?

We require a deposit of 50% at the time of the booking. The remaining balance is due one month prior to the event. Any additional fees will be billed following the event. For payment, we accept checks and MasterCard or VISA credit cards.

What if I have to cancel?

If severe weather conditions on the day of the event make it difficult for your guests to travel, and if we jointly agree to cancel the event, the Montshire will refund your payment in full.

If you choose to cancel your reservation 30 days or more prior to the scheduled date, half of the deposit is non-refundable. For events cancelled within 30 days, the entire deposit is non-refundable.

If you cancel your Science Park access at least 24 hours prior to the event, Montshire will refund that portion of the rental fee in full.