Business

Events

What are the main event spaces available and their capacities?

The Science Museum offers several event spaces including Illuminate (spanning levels 4 and 5 with natural light and City views plus LED-focused environment), the Smith Centre (includes The Salon, Large meeting room, The Boardroom, and outdoor courtyard), and Flight gallery (accommodates up to 400 for seated dinner or 350 with stage). Illuminate is described as a blank canvas space perfect for conferences and Christmas parties.

What are the venue hire rates for different spaces?

Venue hire starts from £4,500 + VAT for spaces like the Smith Centre (07:00-17:00). Illuminate costs £20,250 + VAT for full day hire (07:00-23:30), and Flight gallery is £8,750 + VAT for evening hire. The Smith Centre 2-day hire is £9,000 + VAT.

What is included in the venue hire and what costs extra?

The Science Museum operates as dry venue hire only, meaning all catering, furniture, and AV are additional costs on top of venue hire charges. Smith Centre includes banqueting chairs and cluster furniture, but all other services must be provided by accredited suppliers.

Who are the mandatory suppliers for catering and AV?

The museum works with specific accredited suppliers including Moving Venue for catering, White Light for AV and lighting, and Benugo Events for catering in certain spaces. All suppliers must be from their approved list, and clients cannot bring external vendors.

What are typical total event costs including catering and AV?

For a 300-guest daytime conference, the total budget needed is around £30,000. AV minimum spend starts at £6,000, and catering minimum spends vary by event size and requirements. One customer mentioned the venue would "far exceed our budget once catering has been factored in."

What are the standard event timings and access hours?

Standard daytime hire runs 07:00-17:00, while evening events typically run 07:00-23:30 with all guests offsite by 23:30. Setup access is available from 07:00, with guest arrival usually from 09:00. Bar must close by 21:30 for evening events with all offsite by 22:00.

How quickly must bookings be confirmed for short-notice events?

For events only two weeks away, clients must attend a site visit on Wednesday and contract the event by end of play Thursday. The museum requires quick turnaround for short-notice bookings to secure dates.

What commission structure applies for agencies?

Agency commission is offered at 10% on venue hire only (AV is non-commissionable). Commission must be claimed within two months of the event date and will only be paid once all invoices relating to the event have been settled.

What payment methods are accepted?

The museum accepts Mastercard with no fees for payment, however they do not accept American Express (AMEX). Payment terms and invoice raising occur after contract signing.

What makes Illuminate unique for corporate events?

Illuminate spans levels 4 and 5, providing two distinct atmospheres within one space - abundant natural light with stunning City views on one level, and a cutting-edge LED-focused environment on the other. It serves as a blank canvas that can be transformed for various event visions from classic to contemporary.