Venue rental FAQs

What does the venue rental fee of the Renaissance Court include?

  • The use of Renaissance Court including the adjacent Medieval Chapter House; no minimum guest number is required
  • Access to the Museum galleries surrounding the first level of the Museum for the first 3 hours of the event
  • Bartender services for your event
  • The use and set up of the Museum’s inventory of tables and chairs
  • Museum Protective Services staff
  • Coordination with our Museum event consultant throughout your planning process
  • Our team of dedicated event professionals will coordinate prior to and day of your event day
  • Museum parking at no charge

What does the venue rental fee of the Museum café include?

  • The use and set up of the existing inventory of tables and chairs
  • The adjacent outdoor Stoddard Goddard Courtyard with umbrella table seating
  • Lancaster Lobby for additional event space
  • Coordination with our Museum event consultant throughout your planning process
  • Our team of dedicated event professionals will coordinate prior to and day of your event day
  • Museum parking at no charge
  • Museum galleries may be opened at an additional cost for your guests’ enjoyment

Are there any other fees associated with using the Museum?

  • Outdoor events require the rental of chairs
  • Any additional rental furniture needs outside of the Museum’s inventory (Museum staff will secure and set up)
  • Delivery charge is applicable for any rentals

What is the Museum’s capacity?

Both the Renaissance Court and the Museum café can accommodate events of up to 70 guests for a seated dinner and up to 150 guests for a cocktail-style event with partial seating.

What hours are available to host our event?

  • Event start time varies by venue space and day of week
  • All events must end by midnight
  • All events cap at 5 hours

What sorts of events does the Museum not accommodate?

The Museum is not able to accommodate:

  • Proms
  • Masquerades
  • Frat/sorority parties
  • Sweet 16s
  • Quinceañeras

May we bring in our own caterer?

The Museum provides a list of approved caterers who have extensive experience with the Museum spaces. The caterer will provide all equipment required for servicing your event including linens and waitstaff. All service arrangements are made directly with your caterer of choice from this list.

Do you have a preferred vendor list?

We offer a resource list to assist you with vendors who have worked successfully at WAM. This acts as a guide but leaves you the option to select a professional of your own choosing.

When may my vendors arrive for set up?

Vendors may arrive up to two hours prior to the start of your event.

Can you accommodate a live band as well as a DJ?

You may bring in either a DJ or a live band. Our 13’ X 32’ dance floor provides ample dancing space for your guests.

How is alcohol handled at the Museum?

The Museum holds a full liquor license and will provide and service all beverages for your event. Outside alcohol may not be provided.

Do you have decoration guidelines/restrictions?

We will work with you for guidance in this area as your plans progress. Balloons are not permitted, nor is the use of confetti, rice, birdseed, or sparklers. Nothing may be taped to the walls or artwork of the Museum.

What are your deposit and final payment policies?

A deposit is required to reserve your date. Final payment is due two weeks prior to the event date.

Where will our guests park?

  • Lancaster Street visitor parking lot
  • Front Salisbury Street visitor parking lot
  • On-street parking is available surrounding the Museum
  • Museum visitor lots and surrounding street parking is at no charge

Learn more about directions and parking

Is the Museum handicap accessible?

Yes, the Salisbury Street entrance is an accessible entrance. All restrooms and the balcony level of the Renaissance Court are accessible via elevators.

What hotels are nearby for our guests?

The Hampton Inn and the Courtyard Marriott are located on Grove Street across from the Museum. Seven other Worcester hotels are conveniently located 1-3 miles away. View our local accommodation listing.