Grand Rapids Public Museum

Meijer Theater Includes the auditorium with seating capacity of 256, antique Wurlitzer organ, baby grand piano and full audiovisual capabilities. Outdoor Ceremony Outdoor ceremonies may be held on the southeast lawn, overlooking the Grand River and downtown. *Outdoor ceremonies require rental of tent and chairs arranged by Museum personnel – call for pricing information Ceremony charges are $1000 for both locations.

• A one-hour rehearsal during Public Museum hours the day before the wedding, with your Event Coordinator and Audio/Visual staff (if applicable) in attendance
• Use of a large dressing room the day of your wedding

Wedding ceremonies:

• May start no earlier than 6:00pm
• Require a reception also held at the Van Andel Museum Center
• Ceremonies in the Meijer Theater have the option of utilizing the Wurlitzer theater organ. The organ is part of the Museum’s collection, and may be played only by authorized members of the Museum’s Organ Committee. Your event coordinator will make every effort to secure an authorized organist for your wedding rehearsal and ceremony. Charges for organ performance will be incorporated into your facility use invoice. Please allow 8 weeks’ notice if you intend to use the organ. The Museum will not be held responsible if an organist cannot be secured for your desired date.

Wedding receptions are held on the first floor of the Museum, which includes the Galleria with built-in dance floor, the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, the Carousel and outdoor courtyard (weather permitting), and all first-floor exhibits. Maximum capacity is 275 guests for a sit-down dinner and 500 for a stand-up reception. Rental Charges Rental charges for the first floor are as follows: An additional $500 charge will be applied for rentals on holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's). Determinations of holiday weekend charges will be at the sole discretion of the Hospitality and Convention Services Manager. Check with your event coordinator to see if these charges apply. Wedding receptions may begin at or after 6:00 in the evening, and the rental period may not extend past 1:00 am. The maximum rental period for a wedding reception is five hours.

Food Services

Beginning January 1, 2008, the Public Museum has become the Exclusive Caterer at the Van Andel Museum. All events are expected to purchase food when renting the Van Andel Museum Center. Should a client have no food service, there will be a minimum $500.00 catering royalty charge.

Beverage Service

Beverage service must be provided through the Museum’s Beverage Service and served in accordance with City and State liquor licensing regulations. These include cash and sponsored bars, champagne toasts, wine service with dinner, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch, sodas and bottled water. To assist you in your beverage planning contact the Museum Beverage Manager at 616.456.3528. Food and beverages are permitted in all pre-approved areas only and may not be removed from the premises. All food and beverage sales are subject to Michigan sales tax and selected caterer’s service fees. All bars are to close one half-hour prior to the end of the event. Fore more information on Beverages Services.

Parking

Parking for your guests is available in the Museum’s 209-space parking ramp. There is a $5.00 charge for each vehicle parked in the ramp. You may cover this cost on behalf of your guests by including a parking voucher in with your invitations, or you may choose to have your guests pay for their own parking.

Rental Extras

The use of round tables (8-10 tops) and 8-foot tables (for catering, gifts, registration, etc.) are included in the rental cost of the Museum, as well as set-up and tear-down time and clean up of the Museum.

The following are some optional additional costs to be considered:

* All receptions are allowed one-half hour after the contracted end time of the event for removal of items brought into the Museum

Click here to view rental options and pricing.