Social Celebrations

A departure from the ordinary, the Museum boasts novel surroundings and endless entertainment that promises to intrigue even the most seasoned event guests. The Museum’s one-of-a-kind location offers exquisite sights during any season, at any time of day or evening.

The Museum offers an extraordinarily versatile space and can comfortably accommodate guest counts anywhere from 20 to 4,500.

Contact Us Tell Us About Your Event
ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Your Event Team

Our Team is ready to make your Event a success!

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Museum Sales Manager

A Museum sales manager will ensure that your event proceeds smoothly from day one. Upon booking, a Museum operations coordinator serves as your direct contact during the planning and setup phase.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Max Ultimate Food

A representative of MAX Ultimate Food will work closely with you, to review and detail your catering needs and expectations. MAX’s ability to combine a flair for quality and sophistication, while carrying out fanciful touches and unique details, is unrivaled in the events industry.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Vendor Support

We have close partnerships with some of the area’s most reputable and creative vendors. We pride ourselves on providing best-in-class hospitality and the ability to create events that your guests will remember for years to come.

Max Ultimate Food

MAX’s culinary team has a reputation of creativity, innovation, and style, second to none. MAX Ultimate Food doesn’t simply create events, it delivers experiences.

Menus are curated using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and providers wherever possible.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Unique Event Spaces

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Blue Wing

Capacity: 250 - 400 Guests

This true ‘Night at the Museum’ experience encloses three levels of galleries wrapped around a central open atrium. A revolving array of exhibit components creates a unique and dynamic atmosphere for guests, while soaring ceilings and expansive spaces provide a touch of grandeur. 

Available for evening rental only.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Skyline Room

Capacity: 100 - 150 Guests

Sitting on the 6th floor of the Museum, this breathtaking space offers sweeping views of the iconic Boston and Cambridge city skylines through two walls of floor to ceiling windows. The Skyline Room boasts a one-of-a-kind sunset city view. By night, the sparkling mosaic of city lights provides a dramatic backdrop.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

D'Arbeloff Suite

Capacity: 100 - 160 Guests

Natural light streams through the windows on both sides of the suite, which offers incredible views of the Bunker Hill Monument, Zakim Bridge, Esplanade, and city of Boston. A private balcony, ideal for evening cocktails, adds an outdoor element that allows for fresh air and spectacular stargazing.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Washburn Pavilion

Capacity: 180 - 220 Guests

This hidden gem offers a beautiful, historic open-air pavilion that predates the Museum itself and is the only dedicated event space located directly on the Charles River. Just steps from the water, the Washburn Pavilion boasts refreshing breezes, shady trees, and wonderful views of the iconic Longfellow Bridge. This space includes a semi-permanent tent, a covered patio, and grassy areas. 

The Washburn Pavilion is available for both daytime and evening events.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Hall of Human Life

Capacity: 60 - 150 Guests

The Hall of Human Life spans more than 70 interactive components and aims to revolutionize how guests engage with their own biology and manage their health. This ever-evolving exhibit space is a perfect location in combination with either the Skyline Room or d’Arbeloff Suite for a cocktail reception or a small intimate reception and dinner.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

New England Habitats

Capacity: 50 - 80 Guests

Transport yourself to New England’s natural environment, featuring windows into the most wide- ranging, picturesque of landscapes. This rustic exhibit is an engaging experience for all curious guests. These earthy representations serve as a built in arcadian motif for any event or cocktail hour.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Atrium and Foyer

Capacity: 130 - 180 Guests

Nestled in the Red Wing of the Museum, the Atrium and Foyer serves as the perfect backdrop for a one-of- a-kind cocktail reception or dinner. Guests can mingle before enjoying an evening of stargazing in our Charles Hayden Planetarium or experiencing a larger-than-life film in our five-story-high Mugar Omni Theater. Guests might even get to enjoy a trip on our piano stairs on their way in or out of the theater.

ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Event Amenities

All Social Celebrations include the following amenities:

  • Complimentary on-site parking for your guests
  • On-site event manager
  • In-house tables and black or white garden chairs
  • Dedicated setup and breakdown time for vendors (see event spaces for details)
  • No additional tax, gratuity, or administrative fees in addition to venue rental
ESSO Photo Selects for Web

Event Enhancements

Small touches can make all the difference. Let us handle the details for you, by enhancing your event with any of the following items.

Based on availability, pricing furnished upon request.

  • Clear Lectern
  • Up lighting
  • Clear glass votives (large and small)
  • Giant Jenga
  • Cornhole
  • Clear acrylic card box
  • Gold frame table numbers
  • Gold card stock table numbers
  • Silver table numbers

Start Planning Your Event Today