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Science and History Museums Offer Knowledge and Thrills

By Christian Caldwell

I WANT TO WOW MY GUESTS. This is often one of the first things clients tell an event planner, so it’s always a great idea to have an arsenal of options already on hand.

Selecting a venue that is unique and nontraditional is key to fulfilling a client’s needs, and the right space will get guests excited and engaged. Science and history museums offer a score of benefits in one breathtaking package. From towering replicas to interactive exhibits, science and history museums lend a one-of-a-kind backdrop to practically any type of event.

We’ve explored some of Texas’ most treasured venues for intrepid planners, so let’s dig into the details.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

When hosting an event at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the venue and location take care of most of the entertainment. Located just north of Hermann Park in Houston, the museum is ideal for guests who’d like to do some sightseeing before or after an event. And there’s no need to bring along extras to spiff up the venue.

“The benefit of holding an event in our space is that the exhibits tend to eliminate the need for a ton of decorations,” says Ashley Zalta, special events coordinator for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. “This is what makes this type of event space ideal for planners with clients who may want to save on the rental and décor budget.”

With 17 different event spaces, the venue should have no problem accommodating an array of interests and requests. The science classrooms are an ideal fit for businesses looking to do some group work exercises or have a power lunch. The Morian Hall of Paleontology comfortably accommodates 250 for a seated dinner, making the space ideal for cocktail receptions, weddings and banquets. “A day-of event coordinator comes along with packages for events,” Zalta says. “Also, there is a requirement to use one of our six exclusive caterers for cocktails, receptions or seateddinner events.”

Science Spectrum

The Science Spectrum in Lubbock is ideal for those looking to entertain children, including the inner child that lives in your guests. Equipped with chairs, tables and rentable audio-visual equipment, the venue in Lubbock can be transformed for several different types of events. There are six different rental spaces that can be used to accommodate groups as small as 30 or as large as 400. A permanent 4,000-square-foot exhibit aptly named the Lubbock Children’s Museum is sure to keep the young at heart entertained. Any other special event accommodations can be discussed with the event coordinator.

You can even view exclusive movies at the on-site Omni Theater. One of the popular event spaces, Exhibit Hall, has a capacity for up to 400 guests. For more intimate groups, the 900-square-foot reception room can hold 56 guests. With more than 250 interactive science exhibits, this museum has what it takes to keep guests of all ages entertained.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Boasting 166,000 square feet of event space, the new Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has a bit of something for everyone. The IMAX dome is great for corporate events, with the ability to show demos of new products or films at private parties. Sodexo Leisure Services is on hand to cater corporate and special events.

“We try to make everything as turnkey as possible,” says Camille Curry, event coordinator for the museum. “We have our onsite caterer, Sodexo, to help plan out a menu fitting for many different types of events. I also am available to assist as much as possible, from inception of the event planning process to the actual day of the event.”

You can check out photos from past events by logging on to Pinterest and following the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History board.

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is an exciting venue. From business and group meetings to elegant galas, lavish weddings, and even small trade shows, this facility can accommodate all types of gatherings. The meeting rooms, which accommodate up to 150 occupants, are ideal for those interested in having a small corporate gathering. Day meeting room rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the option for extended rentals until midnight. There’s also a domed chapel that, when not in use, can provide a backdrop for an inspired breakout session. The museum has a preferred catering list that renters are encouraged to choose from, but special accommodations can be made if an outside caterer is desired.

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