Event Rental

Tours of rental spaces are available Tuesday – Friday from 10 am – 3 pm. Visits must be scheduled with the Facility Rental Coordinator, Rebecca Dawson, at 860.443.2545 ext. 2112 or [email protected], to ensure the space you are interested in is open for viewing.

Facility rental spaces are available for rent by businesses and individuals on a first come, first served basis. The Museum is not available for events such as political or religious talks, the selling of goods and/or services, or soliciting of any sort. If you have questions regarding this policy or to make a reservation, please contact the Facility Rental Coordinator.

We offer a 20% discount off the rental rate for non-profit rentals.

The Lyman Allyn hosts all types of events including, but not limited to: dinners, receptions, weddings, showers, family parties, corporate events, performing art opportunities, trainings, seminar presentations, concerts and film screenings.

Please see our Learning menu for information about children’s birthday parties. 

The Museum’s interior spaces are available for rental year round. Museum grounds are available from April to October.

Reservations must be booked a minimum of one month in advance of the event. A 50% deposit is required upon booking to hold the reservation. The remainder of the rental fee must be received at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event.

Please email the Facility Rental Coordinator to check date availability. If a date is open, we will hold the space for one week. During this week, you must return a signed copy of rental contract and a 50% deposit.

Please Note: rental spaces within the Museum are not reserved without the submission of proper request and documentation. Please do not assume that a space is reserved until confirmation has been received.

A full refund will be issued if an emergency requires the Museum to cancel an event. In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule the event if possible. Events canceled by the renter more than 30 days in advance will be refunded 25% of the payment. Events canceled by the renter less than 30 days in advance are non-refundable. 

A limited number of tables and chairs are available for event use. The Museum does not provide linens, dishes, utensils or glassware. The renter or the renter’s caterer will need to plan to supply all such items. Third party rental companies may be used to rent equipment or furniture not available from the Museum. Deliveries can only be accepted on the day of the event with approval from the Facility Rental Coordinator. The kitchen is available for food set up and reheating. A/V equipment is available for additional fees.

Yes. The renter is responsible for making arrangements with outside vendors. Any outside vendor/contractor hired by the renter will be required to provide a certificate of insurance which names the Lyman Allyn Art Museum as an additional insured. Coverage should include general liability, worker’s compensation and liquor liability; if applicable.

It is understood and agreed that the Museum is not undertaking, directly or indirectly, to sell, furnish or serve the renter and or their guests. The renter is responsible for removing all food, beverages, and rented items from the Museum premises after the event.

You may use any catering company you’d like.  If the company you choose has not worked with the Museum before, we require that they meet with us to review the event space and our policies and procedures.

The inclusion of alcohol in your event requires you to hire a caterer with whom a bartender is employed. Alcoholic beverages MUST be served by an insured bartender. “Do-it-yourself” bartending or self-serve liquor distribution is strictly prohibited! Please reference the rental contract for further details.

Decorations must be approved by the Facility Rental Coordinator. Decorations may not be taped, nailed, wired, glued or pinned to the walls, floors or ceilings. Museum staff is only responsible for setting up and breaking down Museum equipment. The renter is responsible for all rental spaces being left in a clean and orderly condition. The renter must submit a list of all outside vendors to the Facility Rental Coordinator no later than a month prior to the event.