Private Events: FAQs

When can I have an event at Discovery Place?

All events, except meetings, must be held after the Museum closes to the public. Events may start one hour after closing.

What does a Museum rental cost?

We have packages to work with any budget. Please call our special events department for pricing.

Does Discovery Place provide catering?

There are multiple catering options available including using our preferred caterer. Please call our special events department for more information.

What is included with my rental?

Rental rates include the following:
* Event space for up to 4 hours,
* Event Manager
* Building/Security Manager
* Janitorial services
* Set-up and break-down of Discovery Place equipment which includes: 35 five foot round tables, 15 six foot tables, 25 eight foot tables, 15 cocktail tables and 150 chairs
* Parking on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Discovery Place parking garage
* Standard AV equipment

Based on your event needs special programming may be added for an additional charge.
Some Discovery Place exhibitions may require additional staffing which will require an additional charge.

What about parking?

Parking for event guests is included in the rental rate. The Discovery Place parking garage is located at the corner of 6th Street and Church Street directly behind the Museum.

Can I include an IMAX film with my event?

Yes, you may include an IMAX film with your event at an additional charged. Clients may purchase tickets for guests in a previously scheduled film or may buy-out the theatre at an additional charge.

Can I add science demonstrations to my event?

Discovery Place can provide engaging hands-on science demonstrations for an additional fee.

Is there a limit to the size of my event?

Event space at Discovery Place depends greatly on current exhibitions which occupy the floor. Please call our special events department for more detailed information.

How are event date ‘holds’ handled?

Requests to reserve space for a special event may be accepted up to two years in advance of the event date. Only two holds per potential client are allowed at any one time. A potential client’s requested date will be held for 10 business days, by the end of which Discovery Place requires a signed contract and deposit. If a signed contract and deposit have not been received within 10 business days, the date will be released to others. If a definite request from a second potential client has been received for a date on hold prior to the expiration of the 10-day period, Discovery Place will contact the potential client with the hold to make a final decision, sign a contract and make the deposit within 3 business days.

How can I be guaranteed that my date is being held?

In order to guarantee a date a signed contract is required along with a 50% deposit.

What are the deposit and cancellation terms?

The deposit is 100% refundable if the event is cancelled over 120 days before the event date, 50% refundable if cancelled between 120-60 days before the event date, and is not refundable if cancelled less than 60 days before the event date. Cancellation must be in writing and received by the Special Events department to be valid. Failure to make full payment of contract price on or before 14 days prior to event will result in the cancellation of this contract. Lessee is liable for any vendor costs associated with the event’s cancellation or date change.

Does Discovery Place offer full service event planning?

Full service event planning is not offered. However, our event planner can assist you with linen and flower orders.

When can I set-up for my event?

Set-up for evening events in open public areas can begin 1 hour prior to the closing of the museum. On high attendance days, the set-up time may begin later.

Are there restrictions for decorations?

Absolutely no pins, nails, staples or tapes of any kind are permitted on any walls or floors in the Museum. No birdseed or confetti is to be used in any part of the building. No pyrotechnics are permissible on Museum property. No helium balloons are permissible inside the Museum unless secured to an arrangement. Client is responsible for removing all decorations immediately following the event.

Can I show my own film in the IMAX theatre?

Only films currently being shown in the Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre or films held in the Discovery Place film library may be shown on Museum property unless approved by Discovery Place management.

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Private Event Inquiries

704.348.1984 groupsales@discoveryplace.org

Discovery Place may be rented for private events only. No admission may be charged, nor may tickets be sold on the premises. Fundraising events are permitted only on behalf of Discovery Place.

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