Business

Dining

Events

What are the venue hire costs for the Atrium and other event spaces?

Evening hire of the Atrium (access from 17:30) costs £3,790.00 +VAT. For larger events, you can combine spaces: Foyle 1 and Foyle 2 together cost £2,530.00 +VAT for daytime hire (09:00-17:00), or the Foyer and Atrium together cost £4,352.00 +VAT for evening hire (with charity discount applied). Individual Foyle rooms range from £1,260.00-£1,730.00 +VAT.

What are the capacity limits for different event setups in the Atrium?

The Atrium can accommodate up to 150 guests for a standing reception. When combined with the Foyer, the spaces can host up to 300 guests for seated dinners across both levels at round tables, or 300 guests for standing receptions or buffet-style events.

What time can I access the venue for evening events?

Evening access to the Atrium begins at 17:30 when the museum closes to the public. This applies to all evening events including receptions, award ceremonies, and private parties.

What equipment and staging is included in the venue hire?

The Atrium includes a lighting grid with 6 presets, localised speakers with input, and a platform lift between Atrium and Foyer. The venue can provide staging, microphones, and uplighters as part of the hire. Conference spaces include projectors, large screens, built-in speakers, lecterns, and microphones within the venue hire fees.

Are there mandatory security costs for certain event days?

Yes, events held on Mondays when the museum is normally closed to the public require mandatory security to have the main doors opened and manned throughout your hire. This costs approximately £187.00 +VAT, with the exact quote provided as "around £20.00/hour" as a guide.

Who handles catering and what are the options?

All daytime catering must be provided by the in-house catering partner, Searcys. For evening events, you can choose from a list of approved caterers or use Searcys. The venue provides current menus and can introduce you to catering managers who will provide separate quotes directly.

Can I set up exhibition stands and what are the power requirements?

Yes, the Atrium can accommodate up to 14 exhibition stands, while Foyle 2 can host 16 stands, for a maximum of 30 stands across both spaces. Each exhibition plot is 75cm x 150cm (table-top size), and there are plenty of power outlets throughout both spaces with at least one connection available per table. Extension cables can be provided and safely taped down by the IT team.

What booking process and payment terms apply?

To confirm your booking, you must complete and return a signed order agreement. The venue can place holds on dates while you decide. Once the agreement is signed, the finance team will send an invoice separately. For events requiring security or special arrangements, additional agreements may be needed.

Are there discounts available for certain types of organizations?

Yes, registered charities receive a discount on venue hire fees. For example, a charity booking the Foyer and Atrium for evening hire was quoted £4,352.00 +VAT, which reflects the applied charity discount.

What delivery and courier arrangements are available?

Deliveries and collections must be booked for the day of the event only. All packages must be labeled 'FAO Venue Hire National Army Museum' so security can alert the venue hire team when items arrive. You should provide a list of expected couriers and which exhibitors they're delivering for.

Can I bring external suppliers and what AV connections are available?

Yes, external suppliers are permitted - for example, casino tables and croupiers for entertainment. For AV equipment, you need to supply your own laptop which connects via HDMI cable (provided onsite), with Mac adaptors available if needed. The venue has built-in screens and speakers in conference spaces.