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Interested in Renting the Museum?
Contact our event specialists to learn more about renting the museum.

Events from 20 to 5,000 Guests

We offer architecturally stunning and educationally rich spaces for special events.
It’s an intimate seated dinner surrounded by the brilliance of the gems and minerals. An elegant corporate event in our state-of-the-art Wiess Energy Hall. Or a spectacular wedding reception for several hundred people held in the shadow of towering dinosaurs.
With so many opportunities for creating imaginative atmospheres, the Houston Museum of Natural Science makes every event truly unforgettable.

Create the ideal environment to fit any event from 20 to 5,000 guests. From sophisticated and dramatic to out of this world, our distinctive venues offer beautiful settings beyond compare.

Event Spaces

  • Guest Capacity 20 – 184
  • Guest Capacity 185 – 363
  • Guest Capacity 364 – 900
Science Classrooms

Our science classrooms are the perfect versatile space for anything from a quick lunch to an all-day teambuilding space that’s already set up for learning.

We’re able to accommodate a variety of guest counts and seating arrangements based on our unique, expandable design, so be sure to ask about how a classroom could fit into your event!

Morian Cabinet of Curiosities

This collection of extraordinary natural and manmade objects, displayed in cabinets with many compartments, are filled with “treasures” reflecting humankind’s curious nature and innate desire to collect. The Cabinet of Curiosities is a unique, interactive backdrop for cocktail parties and seated dinners where your guests can peruse various objects of curiosity and wonder, up close and in a personal way.

Capacity for Seated Dinner: 30
Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 50

Grand Entry Hall

The dramatic setting of the Lillie and Roy Cullen Grand Entry Hall will make the guests for any event feel as if they have made a grand entrance. Lighting and decorations transform this space into a spectacular site for extravagant seated dinners and receptions.

Capacity for Theatre: 300
Capacity for Seated Dinner: 450
Capacity for Cocktail Reception:  900
 

Glassell Hall

The Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall has an open floor plan that is perfect for banquets, wedding ceremonies and receptions. This hall houses a sailfish and 1,560-pound black marlin caught by Alfred Glassell, Jr.

Capacity for Theatre: 300
Capacity for Seated Dinner: 200
Capacity for Cocktail Reception:  300
 

Wiess Energy Hall

Geology meets Vegas in the high-octane Wiess Energy Hall. The expansive exhibition of 30,000 square feet is almost the size of a football field and has room for more than one configuration for a singular event. This is the perfect setting for a cocktail reception, seated dinner, lectern with rows of seating, D.J. and dancefloor.

The high-tech futuristic exhibits are the perfect backdrop for guests who are also welcome to explore Earth’s inner space with a ride in the Geovator and Eagle Ford Shale Experience, a.k.a. the “EFX 3000.”

Seated Dinner Capacity: 350
Cocktail Capacity: 520

Morian Hall of Paleontology

What better way to top off a party than to dine and dance with dinosaurs? Two stories tall and the length of a football field, this new hall will invite guests embark on a “Prehistoric Safari” through exhibits with 21st century interactivity. This space is perfect for adding a special touch to any holiday event, banquet, and cocktail reception.

Capacity for Seated Dinner: 550
Capacity for Cocktail Reception:  800
Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 150

Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals

This exhibit space houses over 750 of the world’s finest gem and mineral specimens, from a crystallized gold cluster to an emerald crystal weighing almost 2,000 carats, the largest ever found in North America. The sparkling décor of this exhibit space creates a stunning ambiance that will make any event the talk of the town.

Capacity for Seated Dinner: 80
Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 150
Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 120

Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife

From elk, bison and bighorn sheep that tread our land, to the peregrine falcons, whooping cranes and songbirds that soar through our skies, the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife displays native species of our great state. The unique scenes progressively change from dawn to dusk with lighting and soundscapes specific to the time of day.

Guests can also head to the shore in the adjoining Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology is included with the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife.

Let us help you plan your corporate or social event among these amazing animals.Food and beverages is only allowed in the designated space near the Foucault Pendulum overlook.

Capacity for Seated Dinner: 40
Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 60
Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 40

Cockrell Butterfly Center

Exciting renovations are in progress for the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Please contact us for options and availability.

Filled with tropical plants and over 60 species of the world’s largest and most colorful butterflies, this three-story glass cone is sure to leave anyone breathless.

Considered one of the most unique places in the city of Houston, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is the perfect space to accommodate small weddings.

Cockrell Butterfly Center
Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 50

Sundial

The Sundial is the perfect outdoor location for your wedding ceremony. The Sundial creates a perfect stage for the bride and groom to announce their love. Surrounded by water fountains and trees, this elegant location is one of a kind.

Capacity for Seated Dinner : 120
Capacity for Cocktail Reception : 200
Capacity for Theatre: 200

Burke Baker Planetarium

Travel to a galaxy far, far away in the Burke Baker Planetarium. The domed theater is ideal for company meeting, lectures and wedding ceremonies.

Capacity for Theatre: 164 (max 185)
Capacity for Dinner: 20
Capacity for Cocktail: 50

Wortham Giant Screen Theatre

When making an impact is important, why not do it on our 60’ X 80’ screen? The Wortham Giant Screen Theatre is also available for product launches, audio-visual presentations, speaker events and company announcements.

Combine your private event with a film screening, or simply hire the theatre auditorium for your own presentation. The lower-level lobby is also available for displays or interactive experiences as well as private catering.

Crystal clear images combine with powerful surround-sound to awaken and overwhelm your senses. The unique experience is as inspirational as it is entertaining.

Capacity: 400 seated stadium style; 10 wheelchair spaces (an additional row of chairs can be added to the back row)


Technical Facilities:

  • Barco twin system 3D digital film projector (DCI compliant)
  • 60’ X 80’ screen for ultra high resolution image for PowerPoint presentations etc)
  • Lectern, spotlight, 2 wireless handheld microphones
  • Films can be shown via DCP (Linux format recommended), Blu-Ray (DVD) and Streaming (laptop).
  • Connections:  HDMI, VGA, Digital Component, Internet
  • PowerPoint Shows
  • AP20 audio output.
  • 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound
Moran Lecture Hall

The Museum’s largest multi-purpose meeting space includes built-in AV equipment is the perfect space for corporate training, group hospitality room, awards luncheon or networking reception.

Capacity for a Seated Dinner: 150
Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 200
Capacity for Classroom: 100
Capacity for Theatre: 220

Morian Overlook

Overlooking our world-renowned Morian Hall of Paleontology, the Morian Overlook is a fantastic and fun space for your next corporate lunch, daytime party, or reception. In the evenings, this versatile space is included with the paleontology hall and is a unique option for a wedding ceremony, intimate cocktail reception, or lounge area.

Capacity for Seated Dinner: 100
Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 150
Capacity for Wedding Ceremony: 150

*Please note this space is only available for individual rentals during the day. During the evening, the Morian Overlook rents with the Morian Hall of Paleontology and is not available for individual rentals.

Second Floor Mezzanine

Large enough to accommodate most crowds with a unique layout providing for endless possibilities for cocktail parties and seated dinners, this space has something for everyone. The Second Floor Mezzanine gives your guests access to a variety of exhibits that exemplifies the beauty of the natural world.

Exhibit halls included in the rental of the Second Floor Mezzanine are the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, George W. Strake Hall of Malacology, Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife, Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology and Cabinet of Curiosities.

Capacity for Seated Dinner: 300
Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 600

Note: The Second Floor Mezzanine overlooks the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall on the first floor. Glassell Hall is available to rent to expand the space providing the perfect flow and sightlines.

The Brown Gallery

With a touch of elegance, the oversized chandelier surrounded by dramatically lit windows welcome guests to the Brown Gallery for your next reception.


Capacity for Cocktail Reception: 150
 

Giant Screen Theater

Houston’s very first Giant Screen Theatre offers state-of-the-art, 4K digital projection producing incredible 3D images nearly eight stories high. Images of unsurpassed size, clarity and impact, enhanced by a superb six-track sound system, are projected onto a giant 60’ x 80’ foot screen.

Capacity for Theatre: 400

Leaves and Vine Illustration
Small Leaves and Vine Illustration

Catering

Exclusive, full-service caterers trained in the policies and procedures of the museum—making your event-planning process effortless.
A Fare Extraordinaire
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Cafe Natalie
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City Kitchen Catering
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Melange Events
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Masraff’s
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Swift + Company
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French Gourmet Bakery
Daytime Caterers only
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The French Corner
Daytime Caterers only
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Rental Pricing

  • Daytime Events
  • Evening Events
  • Holiday Pricing

Daytime Events

All daytime rentals include conference-style tables and chairs, as well as a select number of permanent exhibit hall tickets and parking validation.
Rental pricing includes: 4-hour facility rental, on-site security, building supervisor, janitor and maintenance fees. Use of an additional location is available at an hourly rate with a 4-hour facility rental from January – November. All pricing is subject to change.
Rental pricing includes: 4-hour facility rental, on-site security, building supervisor, janitor and maintenance fees. Use of an additional location is available at an hourly rate with a 4-hour facility rental from January – November. All pricing is subject to change.
Classroom Capacity
Theatre Capacity
Dinner Capacity
Cocktail Capacity
Rental Rate
Classroom
15
30
24
40
$200/half day
$400/full day
Moran Lecture Hall
100
220
150
200
$1,200/half day
$2,000/full day
Morian Overlook
150
100
150
$1,200/half day
$2,000/full day
Brown Gallery
150
$1,000/half day
$1,800/full day
* Wedding ceremony capacity
Classroom Capacity
Theatre Capacity
Dinner Capacity
Cocktail Capacity
Rental Rate
Grand Hall
300
450
900
$4,500/half day
/full day
Glassell Hall
300
200
300
$3,500/half day
/full day
Wiess Energy Hall
350
520
$8,500/half day
/full day
Morian Hall of Paleontology
150*
550
800
$8,500/half day
/full day
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals
120*
80
150
$4,700/half day
/full day
Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife
40
40
60
$2,500/half day
/full day
Morian Cabinet of Curiosities
30
50
$2,500/half day
/full day
Cockrell Butterfly Center
50*
$1,200**/half day
/full day
Burke Baker Planetarium
185
20
50
$1,200**/half day
/full day
Moran Lecture Hall
100
220
150
200
$1,800/half day
/full day
1st floor exhibits
520
1200
$10,000/half day
/full day
2nd floor exhibits
300
600
$5,700/half day
/full day
2nd floor exhibits and Glassell
500
900
$7,500/half day
/full day
3rd floor
500
$5,000/half day
/full day
Egypt
200
$1,500**/half day
/full day
King Tut’s Tomb
100
$1,500**/half day
/full day
Egypt/King Tut’s Tomb
300
$5,000/half day
/full day
Hall of the Americas
200
$1,500**/half day
/full day
Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths
120
180
$6,000/half day
/full day
Giant Screen Theatre
400
$2,500**/half day
/full day
Sundial
200
120
200
$3,000/half day
/full day
* Wedding Ceremony Capacity
** Price Per Hour
Classroom Capacity
Theatre Capacity
Dinner Capacity
Cocktail Capacity
Rental Rate
Grand Hall
300
450
900
$5,500/half day
/full day
Glassell Hall
300
200
300
$4,500/half day
/full day
Wiess Energy Hall
350
520
$9,500/half day
/full day
Morian Hall of Paleontology
150*
550
800
$9,500/half day
/full day
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals
120*
80
150
$5,700/half day
/full day
Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife
40*
40
60
$3,000/half day
/full day
Morian Cabinet of Curiosities
30
50
$3,000/half day
/full day
Cockrell Butterfly Center
50*
$1,500**/half day
/full day
Burke Baker Planetarium
185
20
50
$1,200**/half day
/full day
Giant Screen Theater
400
$2,500**/half day
/full day
Sundial
200
120
200
$4,000/half day
/full day
Moran Lecture Hall
100
220
150
200
$1,900/half day
/full day
1st floor exhibits
520
1200
$11,000/half day
/full day
2nd floor exhibits
300
600
$6,700/half day
/full day
2nd floor exhibits and Glassell
500
900
$8,500/half day
/full day
3rd floor
400
$6,000/half day
/full day
Egypt/King Tut’s Tomb
300
$5,500/half day
/full day
Hall of the Americas
200
$2,000**/half day
/full day
Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths
120
180
$7,000/half day
/full day
* Wedding Ceremony Capacity
** Price Per Hour

Adult Education

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