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Frequently Asked Questions
— Evening
Events
Why choose Lawrence Hall of Science?
What kinds of events are typically held at LHS?
What does the event fee include?
What will it cost to hold my event at LHS?
What about parking?
How many guests can I invite?
Do you require a deposit?
Do you require Insurance?
Do you recommend a certain caterer?
What about other caterers?
Do you provide tables and chairs?
Can we play music?
How about dancing?
Can you tell me more about Lawrence Hall of Science?
Sounds great, how do I reserve a spot?
Why choose Lawrence Hall of Science?
Our clients choose
LHS for the spectacular views and unique setting.
What kinds of events are typically
held at LHS?
Most of our evening events are dinners, wedding ceremonies, receptions,
anniversaries, reunions, and holiday parties. The Hall is available
for rental most evenings after closing at 5:00 p.m. Because we are
a public museum, use of space for private events depends upon the arrangement
of our exhibits. We will do our best to work with you to accommodate
your desired floor plan.
What does the event fee include?
You will have exclusive, private use of the entire building
as well as
access to our math and science exhibits on the main level. We also
include an experienced LHS event manager and two visitor services representatives
to welcome you and to make sure your event goes smoothly. Normal and
usual cleaning charges are also included in the event fee.
What will it cost to hold my event at LHS?
There are two evening rental options available. Our most popular rental option is from 5 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (including setup and breakdown time). This option is available everyday and the fee is $3000 for up to 500 guests. (There is a discount for UC Berkeley campus departments, staff and alumni.) For shorter evening events from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday only, the fee is $1000 for up to 500 guests. (UC Berkeley campus departments, staff and alumni receive a discount). Catering, furniture, decorations, music and additional options are handled through separate vendors. Download evening rental fees.
What about parking?
We have 250 convenient parking spaces. The LHS parking lots are operated by the UC Berkeley parking system. The maximum parking fee for one spot each day is $7. Payment is done through self-service machines located near the various lots and near the plaza entrance to Lawrence Hall of Science. Reservation of the parking lots can be made through special arrangement.
How many guests can I invite?
The capacity of the main level ranges from 50–500, depending
on the exhibits in place at the time of the event, and the type of
event.
Generally, the capacity for a sit-down dinner with all guests seated
in the same area is 150. For a more casual affair with food stations
and seating for guests throughout the main exhibit floor, the capacity
is 300. A cocktail reception can accommodate up to 500 guests.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. We can hold your date when you send a copy of our written estimate
with your deposit (50% of the estimated rental fee). The balance of the rental fee is due 30 days prior to the event. Any additional expenses
incurred as a result of the event will be billed to you after the event.
Do you require Insurance?
Yes. LHS must receive a Certificate of Insurance naming The Regents of the University of California as an additional insured for you event.
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Do you recommend a certain caterer?
Grace Street Catering is our in-house caterer; known for its gourmet
menus and gracious service. We endorse Grace Street Catering because
they create a hassle-free, enjoyable experience
for our clients. Contact them at 510-523-1600 or www.gracestreetcatering.com to
review menus, pricing and availability.
What about other caterers?
We have a list of caterers who have experience at LHS. You may choose
from this list, or use a different caterer. Your
chosen caterer
must
be fully
licensed
and insured and will be asked to produce those documents for LHS. Self-catering
is not an option. We are happy to work with your caterer on the arrangements
for your event. Download caterer list.
Do you provide tables and chairs?
No. However, tables, chairs, and decorative furnishings can be easily
arranged through your caterer or from an outside vendor. Your caterer
or vendor will need to handle the set-up and removal of the furnishings.
Can we play music?
Music is welcome at Lawrence Hall of Science. Many receptions and parties
use a sound system or Deejay indoors and enjoy music until the end
of the evening. Out of consideration for local neighbors and in compliance
with the City of Berkeley Noise Abatement law, all outdoor and loud
music can end no later than 10:00 p.m. This has particular relevance
to events that use our outdoor Plaza, lawn area, or Forces That Shape
the Bay exhibit space.
How about dancing?
Many of the events held at LHS feature dancing. Dancing takes place
in our lobby space, which requires you to rent a dance floor (this
area is carpeted) or in the tiled area near the exit to the outdoor
science park area.
Can you tell me more about Lawrence Hall of Science?
The Lawrence Hall of Science is the public science center at the University
of California Berkeley. We spark curiosity and excitement about science
and math through the fun of hands-on discovery. We are the unique combination
of a science museum, teacher training center and curriculum development
center, and we have been serving K–12 education for over 30 years.
The Lawrence Hall of Science was opened to the public in 1968 as a
living memorial to the scientist Ernest O. Lawrence (1901–1958), the
University’s first Nobel Prize winner (1939) and the inventor
of the atom-smashing cyclotron.
Sounds great, how do
I reserve a spot?
Give us a call to share ideas and schedule an appointment for a site visit. Contact
Events Coordinator Emma Duran-Forbes at 510-642-2275 or email
her at edf@uclink.berkeley.edu.
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