ANN ARBOR HANDS-ON MUSEUM
Gather. Discover. Celebrate.
Inquire About Rentals View FAQsBring people together in a one-of-a-kind setting surrounded by more than 250 interactive science and technology exhibits.
Private after-hours events • Up to 500 guests
A DIFFERENT KIND OF VENUE
Gather. Discover. Celebrate.
Bring your guests together somewhere unexpected. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offers a distinctive setting for private events, where interactive science exhibits create a memorable backdrop for connecting, celebrating, and seeing things differently.
MORE THAN A VENUE
A setting that sparks conversation.
Give your guests something to talk about. Surrounded by more than 250 interactive exhibits, your event becomes an opportunity to connect with science, technology, and each other.
- A distinctive setting Host your gathering in a hands-on science museum.
- Room to bring people together Create a shared experience for colleagues, clients, friends, or family.
- An experience beyond the ordinary Give guests a chance to interact, discover, and see the museum in a new way.
THE DETAILS
Designed for gathering.
Accommodate gatherings of up to 500 guests.
Enjoy a private event outside regular museum hours.
Choose from rental options designed for your event.
MAKE IT YOURS
Bring people together in a new way.
Whether you're planning a professional gathering or a personal celebration, the museum offers a refreshing alternative to traditional event spaces. Give your guests a reason to connect, get curious, and experience something different.
Start planning your event
LET'S GET STARTED
Planning starts with a conversation.
Tell us a little about your event, and our team can help you explore the rental options available.
Share your plans
Tell us about your event, preferred date, and guest count.
Explore your options
Connect with our team to discuss your event and rental options.
Start planning
Work with our team on the next steps for your gathering.
YOUR EVENT, REIMAGINED
Ready to gather somewhere different?
Tell us what you have in mind. We'd love to help you explore hosting your event at the museum.
Inquire About RentalsGOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hosting an event at the museum.
Pricing & Booking
How much does it cost to rent the museum?
Rental pricing depends on the day of the week and your guest count.
Monday–Thursday
Friday–Sunday
Eligible museum members and nonprofit organizations receive a 10% discount.
How far in advance should I request a rental?
Please submit your rental request at least 30 days before your event. This gives our team time to review your plans and discuss availability.
Who can receive the 10% discount?
Museum members and nonprofit organizations are eligible for a 10% rental discount.
Event Details
What types of events can I host?
The museum is available for a variety of private gatherings, including:
- Corporate meetings and client appreciation events
- Holiday parties and receptions
- Birthday celebrations
- Other private gatherings
Our interactive exhibits offer a distinctive setting for bringing people together.
How many guests can attend?
The museum can accommodate events with up to 500 guests. Pricing is based on whether your event has up to 99 guests or between 100 and 500 guests.
What are the event hours?
Access begins after the museum closes to the public.
Guests may arrive at 6 PM or later.
Guests must leave by 10 PM, followed by cleanup.
Will our event be private?
Yes. Rentals include exclusive use of the museum during your event, including the Hands-On Store.
What's Included
What furniture is included with the rental?
Your rental includes the following furniture and equipment:
Can we decorate the museum?
Decorations must follow museum guidelines. Painter's tape is the only permitted tape for securing decorations. Confetti and glitter are not permitted.
Open flames are not allowed, except for small, contained votive candles.
Can we move or change the exhibits?
Museum exhibits cannot be moved or altered as part of an event setup. Please plan your layout and decorations around the existing exhibits.
Catering & Beverages
Which caterers are approved for museum rentals?
Approved caterers include:
- Catherine's Catering
- Zingerman's
- Movable Feast
- Angel Food Catering
- Jerusalem Garden
Can we serve alcoholic beverages?
Wine, beer, and hard cider are permitted only through a licensed caterer.
Guests cannot be charged for alcoholic beverages unless the caterer handles those charges under its liquor license.
Have more questions?
Tell us about your event, and our team can help you with the next steps.
Inquire About Rentals