Hire Space
Illuminate

The Science Museum

  Tap to scroll to images  
Illuminate event space at The Science Museum with high ceilings and natural light.
  • From £9000
  • 450 Reception
  • South Kensington tube station
  • From £9000
  • 450 Reception
  • South Kensington tube station
Located within London's world-famous Science Museum, offering guests exclusive access to iconic galleries and exhibitions alongside cutting-edge event spaces.
Sam Cotton
Sam Cotton

Venue Expert @ Hire Space

  • Multiple room configurations including Smith Centre with outdoor courtyard
  • Professional catering through Benugo Events and Moving Venue
  • Central South Kensington location
  • Dry hire venue with accredited supplier network
  • Blank canvas space spanning levels 4 and 5
  • Panoramic City views with natural daylight
  • Seated capacity of 400, standing capacity of 450
  • State-of-the-art AV capabilities with White Light partnership

Illuminate is a progressive award-winning venue at the Science Museum designed to both anticipate and surpass the needs of the ever-evolving events industry.

Located on Levels 4 and 5 of the Science Museum, it is a modern blank canvas space ideal for product launches, corporate events, award ceremonies, bar mitzvahs, dinners and receptions.

With a seated capacity of 400 and standing capacity of 450, Illuminate stands out with its breath-taking panoramic City views and natural daylight, creating a productive conference or an unforgettable dining experience.

Frequently asked questions

Illuminate costs £20,250 + VAT for full day hire (07:00-23:30) covering both levels 4 and 5. This is dry venue hire only, meaning all catering, AV equipment, and furniture must be provided by the Science Museum's accredited suppliers at additional cost. The space provides a blank canvas with natural daylight and panoramic City views.

Illuminate can accommodate up to 400 guests for seated events and 450 for standing receptions. The space spans two levels offering flexibility for different layouts including theatre style, cabaret seating, and standing reception formats. Both levels can be used together or separately depending on your event requirements.

All catering must go through Moving Venue (the exclusive catering partner) and all AV through White Light (the exclusive AV supplier). Based on recent quotes, expect minimum spends of approximately £5,000-£6,000 for AV services and similar amounts for catering, though final costs depend on your specific requirements and guest numbers.

Setup access begins at 07:00 with guest arrival typically from 09:00. All guests must be offsite by 23:30 with no exceptions. Early access fees may apply for suppliers needing additional setup time before the standard 07:00 access.

White Light provides all AV including projectors, screens, sound systems, microphones (handheld and lapel), lighting design, and staging. They can create bespoke lighting designs and provide state-of-the-art sound systems. Staging and raised platforms are available for presentations and award ceremonies.

Moving Venue offers various catering styles including three-course plated meals, buffet service, bowl food, canapés, and drinks receptions. They can accommodate dietary requirements including halal catering and provide alcohol-free events with bespoke mocktail menus. Unlimited drinks packages are available.

Live music and entertainment are permitted including DJs, bands, and performers. The venue can accommodate award ceremonies with staging, corporate presentations, and dancing. However, as this is within a museum, events must maintain appropriate standards and all entertainment must be arranged through approved suppliers.

Events require a signed contract before venue hire invoices can be raised. For events within two weeks, a site visit must be completed by Wednesday with contracts signed by end of Thursday. Agency commission of 10% is offered on venue hire only (not AV), payable within two months of the event date once all invoices are settled.

Twilight Trees provides decorative services including themed setups and seasonal decorations like Christmas trees and lighting. The venue can be transformed for different themes and atmospheres. Additional furniture such as registration tables, poseur tables, and lounge furniture can be provided through the catering supplier.

Illuminate offers two distinct atmospheres within one space - Level 4 provides abundant natural light and stunning City views, while Level 5 offers a cutting-edge LED-focused environment. This blank canvas nature allows complete customization for any event vision, from classic to contemporary themes.

More about The Science Museum

Choose the home of science, technology and innovation for an unforgettable corporate or private event.

The Science Museum's world-famous exhibitions and astounding gallery spaces combine to make it one of London's most unique venues for events.

Conveniently located in South Kensington, the cultural heart of London, the museum can cater for all kinds of events: dinners, drinks receptions, award ceremonies, conferences and film screenings, with the diversity of spaces available for hire.