Events

Cafe Portico

Hosting a meeting at the museum? Click here to preorder box lunches from Cafe Portico or call (804) 864-1508.

Host your event or party
The Science Museum of Virginia has great spaces that are perfect for everything from a teambuilding retreat or a formal banquet for more than 600 guests. Our on-site event planners work with you to ensure every detail is covered, whether you're looking for dramatic elegance or casual fun.

Your guests will appreciate our free parking, easy and nearby access to I-95, I-64 and I-195. All areas are barrier-free. To arrange a museum tour or to learn more about hosting an unforgettable event at the Science Museum, call (804) 864-1484 or e-mail specialevents@smv.org.

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Specialized Event Services
In addition to outstanding amenities, we offer the following Specialized Event Services for additional fees
  • Coat check
  • Guided tours of the museum
  • Valet parking
  • Storytelling performances by the Carpenter Science Theatre Company
  • Hands-on science demonstrations
  • Exclusive shopping at Shop 4 Science. Our event specialists can also help you select gifts to complement your event's theme or topic.
  • Café Portico, the museum's café, is available for private evening events. Find out more.

Fees and Details

 

 

 Choose the space that's right for your event:

Rotunda
The Rotunda of the Science Museum of Virginia features a magnificent five-story dome unlike any other in Richmond.  Ideal for a cocktail party, wedding reception or corporate event, your guests will be dazzled by the grandeur of the architecture and history.  Explore our exhibit galleries during your event for an additional fee. 
Capacities: Stand-up reception 500; seated dinner 250

RF&P Forum
Celebrate the history of Broad Street Station in the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Forum.  Originally Broad Street Station’s dining room, the RF&P Forum is a terrific place for a business meeting, lecture or lunch meeting. 
Capacities: Stand-up reception 150; seated dinner/conference 100; lecture-style seating 175

Barbara J. Thalhimer Discovery Room
Host a lecture, a class, or a staff meeting in this space where guests will be surrounded by a geological overview of Virginia.
Capacities: Stand-up reception 125; seated dinner/conference 80; lecture-style seating 150

Thalhimer Pavilion
The museum’s largest space, this 13,650-square-foot tented area is a wonderful place for your next gala fundraiser, company party, wedding reception or high school prom. Use the historic train stairs to make your grand entrance.
Capacities: Stand-up reception 800; seated dinner 500; lecture-style seating 900

Garner Pavilion
Add flair to your event by hosting your guests in a scenic outdoor setting among the historic train canopies at Broad Street Station.
Capacity: Outdoor venue, partially covered picnic area 1,500

IMAX® Ring and Theater Rental Option
Virginia’s largest movie screen creates the ultimate you-are-there experience.  Choose a film from our collection to enjoy at a screening just for your group. Host a reception in the IMAX® ring around the theater and enjoy our current traveling exhibition.  
Capacity: 250 seated

Eureka! Theater
This traditional presentation facility is available for multimedia programs, screen presentations and speakers.
Capacity: 119 seated.

Mezzanine
This informal space on the second floor lets you gaze down on all the exhibits. The space is ideal for a party, reception or corporate event.
Capacity: Stand-up reception 200

Proceeds from special events fees help the museum reach its goal of improving science literacy for all Virginians. Just another reason you'll feel good about hosting your event at the Science Museum.


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