General Policies for Facility Rentals
Deposits and payments
Upon signing the rental agreement, you will be expected to provide a non-refundable deposit equal to one-third of total estimated charges. The balance is due on the day of the event.
Pricing
Facility space is rented at an hourly rate, with a two-hour minimum from Tuesday to Thursday. Weekends (Friday-Sunday) require a four-hour minimum. Separate rates apply, depending on which area or areas of the museum or grounds are rented. Amenities and museum activities are also available at additional charges.
Planning the details
All final planning decisions are due seven days before the event, by noon. We'll provide you with a specification worksheet and a schedule of charges to approve. If, after signing this agreement,you need to make last-minute additions (within seven days of the event), we will add a 25% surcharge to the charges for those amenities.
Catering
The EcoTarium maintains a list of preferred caterers for events held at the museum. If you are planning to serve beer and wine at your event, the museum will provide that service. However, if you require a full bar, those arrangements must be made through your caterer.
Temporary decorations
We are flexible about temporary decoration. Any signs, flowers, decorations, posters or the like may be temporarily displayed as long as the EcoTarium's facility rental coordinator has approved them beforehand. Unfortunately, balloons are not allowed on the premises due to safety considerations for the wildlife in our care.
Entertainment
We ask that you assume responsibility for providing your own entertainment and we expect that you will be accountable for their appearance and actions. All entertainment is subject to the approval of the EcoTarium.
Time to leave already?
A 30-minute grace period is allowed beyond the planned ending time, in order for your guests to depart. Additional time will be charged as one full hour at the quoted rate.