Museum Rentals

Ever wonder how to turn science into an affair?

Create your one-of-a-kind event in Charlotte's most unique venue.

Winner of the 2018 "Venue of the Year" award from the National Association of Catering and Events, Discovery Place Science offers creative, intelligent and fun spaces for your event rental. From bar mitzvahs to banquets and wedding receptions to corporate retreats, the Museum’s unique setting ensures a successful event every time.

Dine amidst animals and artifacts; enjoy cocktails while playing with contraptions; and, impress friends and clients with a fantastic, one-of-a-kind evening.

Whether you need one meeting room with smart technology or a party space on all three Museum levels, our experienced staff will take care of all the details to create a customized experience.

Rental fees include:

  • Standard AV equipment
  • Seated tables, high-top cocktail tables, chairs
  • Set-up and breakdown of Museum equipment
  • Museum admission (evening rentals)
  • Manager, Special Events to help with planning a successful event

Add-on Options

Unique options that incorporate the latest technology and hands-on, minds-in fun to make your event memorable. Below is a sample of what we offer. (Pricing varies by activity. Availability subject to change.)

Technology Options

State-of-the-art smart boards provide internet access and high-quality video delivery. Or rent our photo booth so that everyone leaves with a photo memento of your event.

Animal Encounter

Meet one of the Museum's animal residents during an up-close encounter.

Catapult Pong

A new twist on an old game using the principles of catapults to launch balls into buckets. Always a crowd favorite!

Live Science Show

Will things get heated from a hydrogen balloon explosion? You'll just have to see for yourself.

Liquid Nitrogen Wine Slushies

Wildly popular, the liquid nitrogen demonstration produces dramatic smoke and delicious slushie wine samples.

Fear Factor Lab

Dare to eat a bug. Light your hand on fire. Stick your hand in a bucket of night crawlers. Do you have what it takes to overcome your fears?

Event Spaces

Catering Setup Cool Stuff Level 2

Full Museum

Rental includes all three levels of the Museum plus access to exhibitions (please inquire about our upcoming exhibition schedule). A full Museum rental is the top choice in Charlotte for conferences and large company parties. *Please note the IMAX Dome Theatre is not included in the rental.

Capacity: 1800+

Aquarium Event

Level 1

The Museum’s award-winning World Alive exhibition featuring the Aquarium and three-story Rainforest make Level 1 ideal for cocktail receptions, smaller seated dinners or team building activities. Please note that Discovery Theatre access is not included with a standard rental but may be added.

Capacity: 300+

Rentals Level 2 Alternate 2

Level 2

One of the most vibrant and interactive locations in the Museum, Level 2 is packed with ever-changing exhibitions and experiences. The options are endless for ways to program an unforgettable event. We suggest adding on an animal program or live science demonstration for a fun and dynamic experience.

Capacity: 1500+

Thinkerspace Lab Web

Level 3

The new Level 3 exhibition space includes hands-on experiences and the Thinker Space lab (pictured above). It's a perfect space lively cocktails or a festive celebration.

Capacity: 360+

Windows On Tryon

Windows on Tryon

Arguably one of the best meeting locations in the Charlotte, Windows on Tryon offers the latest in technology in a bright open space sure to inspire innovation and collaboration. Plus, your guests have direct access to the beautiful outdoor patio space nestled on Tryon St.

Capacity: 55+

Discovery Theatre

Discovery Theatre

Perfect space for presentations, speakers and discussion panels. Discovery Theatre offers exceptional audio/visual capabilities in a comfortable state-of-the-art environment. Options also include screening your own pre-approved film.

Capacity: 200 seated

Imax Theatre

The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre

With its unique and giant dome screen, The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre offers and unparalleled immersive experience. Choose a film from an extensive collection in the Museum's library. Note: the rental includes the space with seating for up to 280 people; additional fees may apply depending on the film selected.

Capacity: 280

Ed Studio Events2

Discovery Place Education Studio

A brand new facility on Discovery Place's uptown campus, Discovery Place Education Studio has state-of-the-art meeting spaces perfect for brainstorms, breakout sessions or group discussions.

Capacity: 75+


Essential Info

  • What do rental fees include?

    Rental rates include event space, applicable Museum staffing, event manager, building/security manager, janitorial services, set-up and break-down of Discovery Place Science equipment, and standard AV equipment. Seated tables, high-top cocktail tables and chairs are included (limitations apply). Parking on a first come, first serve basis in Discovery Place Science Parking Deck is included in evening rentals. Discounted parking and discounted admission to the Museum are available for daytime rentals.

    The facility rental fees do not include the following services: Add-On Options, additional staff, on-site AV technician, food or beverage service, linens, additional security or special limited engagement exhibition admission. All of the services will be itemized in client’s contract as necessary.

  • How far in advance can I hold my event date?

    Requests to reserve space are accepted up to two years in advance of the event date. Only two holds per client are permitted. A client’s requested date will be held for ten 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 ten business days, the date will be released. If a definite request from a potential client is received for a date on hold prior to the expiration of the ten-day period, Discovery Place will contact the client with the hold to make a final decision, sign a contract and make a deposit within three business days.

  • When can I host an event in the Museum?

    Our meeting room spaces are generally available during both daytime and evening hours. Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, IMAX Dome Theatre and Full Museum rentals are available only when the Museum is not open to the public, generally in the evenings and certain morning hours.