2012 Garden Rental Rate & Policies

Three (3) hours (minimum): $400, Each additional hour or part thereof: $100

This time period includes set-up and break down of the event as well as the duration of the event itself. There may also be an additional fee to be negotiated for events before or after regular museum hours. A $100 per hour charge will be applied for each hour or part of an hour in excess of the three (3) hour rental.

Deposit: 50% of total fee. This deposit shall be paid upon booking and is non-refundable. We accept checks, Visa and MasterCard or cash.

Logistics

The renter is responsible for setting up for their event and cleaning up afterwards.  If items must be delivered to the museum (i.e. tables, chairs, catering equipment, decorations, etc.) the renter must pre-arrange specific delivery and pick-up times with the museum.  Deliveries cannot be made more than 24 hours in advance of the rental period, and items must be removed no later than 24 hour after the event period.  These times may be negotiable depending on the museum schedule.

If the event is held during Museum hours, we can close the door between the museum and the garden to keep museum visitors away from the private event.  The renter’s guests can enter and exit through the two garden gates facing J St. and Third Ave.  If you choose to have these gates unlocked, you will be responsible for posting someone at each unlocked gate for the duration of the event.  In addition, if the event is held after Museum hours and you would like the main door open, you will be responsible for posting someone there for the duration of the event. The earliest an event may begin is nine (9) am.  The latest an event can run is until nine (9) pm. No music or amplified sounds are permitted after nine (9) pm.

If needed, the museum can provide:

• One (1) podium
• Two (2) large tables and/or four (4) small, plastic side tables
• Thirty-five (35) plastic patio chairs

The museum staff will be responsible for setting up and breaking down in-house equipment. The setup and break down of all other equipment, decoration, etc. shall be the sole responsibility of the renter. There are three (3) electrical outlets: one between the koi pond and the statue of Confucius, and one on either side of the door to the museum.

The space can hold approximately forty (40) people seated and approximately seventy-five (75) people standing. The space is approximately 30 ft. by 30 ft. Statues, vegetation, and all other garden fixtures are not to be moved or altered in any way.

Wedding Rehearsals

A thirty (30) minute rehearsal during museum hours is included with the wedding garden rental. All rehearsals must be prearranged with the museum at least one (1) month in advance. Any rehearsal exceeding the thirty minute time period is subject to an additional charge.

Clean up

All sites used by the renter must be left completely clean and as they were found. Beverages, food, and all containers must be removed as soon as the event is over. Please do not dump anything, including water and ice, on grass, flowers, shrubs, or in any area. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your event, all event materials, decorations, etc must be removed from the garden and museum immediately after your event. The museum does not provide staff to assist with the installation or removal of these materials. If the garden is not left clean and undamaged, the renter will pay all costs of clean up and repair.

Decorations

No decorations or temporary fixtures may be affixed to plants, trees, woodwork, buildings or any architectural feature with nails, tacks, staples, or any application that will cause irreversible damage to landscaping or structures. Candles must be contained in a votive or glass hurricane.  The museum must approve all candle usage prior to the event. The use of flameless candles is strongly encouraged.  Duct tape and white masking tape are not permitted on any building or lighting fixtures. The only tape permitted for use on buildings is blue 3M Long Mask® Masking Tape, available in the paint supply section of hardware stores. Directional signage may be placed on posts or other structures using tape or string only, not with tacks, staples or nails of any kind that will damage the trees. Neither lights nor decorations may be placed on trees or plants.  No confetti, glitter or similar materials may be used for decorations or thrown in or around the garden.

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellation made 30 days or less prior to the event will result in the forfeiture of the entire rental fee. All event cancellations must be submitted in writing.