SITE: Science Museum
ADDRESS: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England SW7 2DD
PHONE: +44 207 942 4464
WEB SITE: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
VISUALS & VIBE: Featuring a diverse selection of 10 event spaces as well as an IMAX cinema and extensive library, the Science Museum takes visitors on a journey through scientific and technological developments of the last 300 years, including British engineering achievements since the Industrial Revolution. Popular events at the museum include corporate dinners, awards receptions and car launches.
EVENT AREAS: The impressive East Hall features a working mill engine as the centerpiece and can accommodate 600 for receptions and 200 seated; the ground-floor Wellcome Wing contains a number of interactive displays and has a 2,000-guest reception capacity.
SPECIAL SPACE: The Making the Modern World gallery houses some of the most important pieces in the museum's collection, including the Apollo 10 command module and George Stephenson's 1829 “Rocket” steam engine. Designed with corporate hospitality in mind, the gallery — with a reception capacity of 750 and seated capacity of 430 — allows guests to sit among the artifacts.
ON DISPLAY: The upcoming Science of Sport exhibition will explore the science behind sports through interactive exhibits that offer clients the opportunity to participate in team-building and motivational training sessions; the IMAX cinema is a popular choice for event entertainment.
SITE: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
ADDRESS: One Key Plaza, Cleveland, OH 44114
PHONE: 216/515-1226
WEB SITE: www.rockhall.com
VISUALS & VIBE: Designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum building features dramatic geometric forms and cantilevered spaces that house interactive exhibits and an extensive collection of rock 'n' roll memorabilia from some of the greatest musical performers of the last century. Corporate and convention events, fund-raisers, weddings and bar/bat mitzvah celebrations have all been held at the venue.
EVENT AREAS: The entire museum is available for private rental, which includes admission to all exhibits. The function space consists of three venues: the Ground and Plaza lobbies and the third floor cafe, which together can accommodate 2,500 guests for cocktail receptions.
SPECIAL SPACE: The main level Plaza Lobby features a seven-story, 162-foot-tall glass “tent,” which offers a 320-guest capacity for seated dinners with breathtaking views of the city.
ON DISPLAY: The Hall of Fame is a multimedia tribute to inductees that combines film footage, interviews and photography on three large screens. In addition to the permanent collection of rock 'n' roll artifacts, upcoming exhibits at the museum include images from celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz and the contributions of guitar impresario Les Paul.
SITE: Museum of Glass
ADDRESS: 1801 E. Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
PHONE: 253/284-4711
WEB SITE: www.museumofglass.org
VISUALS & VIBE: Designed by architect Arthur Anderson, this contemporary art museum showcases glasswork as well as other modern mediums and is a popular venue for wedding receptions and corporate events. The museum is surrounded by outdoor art installations and is connected to downtown Tacoma by the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, created by celebrated glass sculptor Dale Chihuly.
EVENT AREAS: The 6,900-square-foot Grand Hall at the entrance of the museum can accommodate 600 people for a standing reception and 325 seated; the museum's 180-seat theater is a popular choice for multimedia presentations and meetings. Outside, three tiered terraces — each capable of accommodating more than 300 guests for a seated reception — offer sweeping views of the city and Mount Rainier.
SPECIAL SPACE: The Hot Shop Amphitheater — a working glass studio — is housed within the 90-foot-tall cone structure that adjoins the museum. Inside, more than 300 guests can enjoy a cocktail reception and watch live demonstrations of master glassblowers at work.
ON DISPLAY: Guests are given private access to the art galleries during their event and are invited to wander through the exhibits, which change every two to three months; upcoming exhibitions include a display of Murano glass from Italy.
