Kenosha Public Museums

Facility Rental

 

Kenosha Public Museum and Civil War Museum

The Kenosha Public Museum and Civil War Museum offer unique settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions, meetings and family parties. Guests will enjoy the scenic views and comfortable surroundings, along with plentiful parking.

The inviting Daimler Chrysler Hall at the Kenosha Public Museum is our largest reception hall and can seat up to 160 people for dining.

 

The festivities can continue in the lobby, which features a 60-foot glass atrium and glacial till wall. Upstairs, the Friends Gallery Mezzanine provides a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Michigan.

The Civil War Museum offers a stylish gathering place with a view of the harbor. Seating is available for up to 120 people for dining. The hall opens into the adjacent lobby for larger functions. On the second floor, the Mezzanine overlooks Lake Michigan. A variety of set-up options are available to accommodate business and social functions.

Both Museums also offer seminar and classroom spaces that can accommodate up to 60 people, ideal for business luncheons or seminars. Chairs, tables, and limited A/V equipment are provided with all Museum room rentals. Each Museum has its own unique qualities that make it ideal for any special event.

While we look forward to hosting your group, the Museum is home to our collections and exhibits. Alcohol is not allowed on the premises during regular Museum hours. Beer and wine may be served at events held during non-Museum business hours with prior approval of the Museum.

For further information on available dates and pricing, please call our special events staff at 262-653-4142 or 262-653-4406.

A Wedding at the Museums

The Kenosha Public Museum offered a unique and beautiful setting as Joe Unger and Amber Wade married in August 2010. A string quartet played as 150 people turned to watch Amber walk down the aisle with her parents. Waiting at the end of the aisle of rose petals was Joe, who escorted Amber to the stage, where they were wed.

Black and white letter U's added a whimsical touch to the decor, along with a trellis in the Daimler-Chrysler Hall. The newlyweds took advantage of photo opportunities inside the Museum, including a kiss beneath the Museum's woolly mammoth figure before heading outside to the fountain area west of the Museum. The glacial till wall in the lobby also served as a backdrop for wedding photos. Guests mingled and enjoyed the galleries while the wedding party took photos along the Lake Michigan shoreline and hopped aboard the streetcar.

The celebration continued next door at the Civil War Museum, with dinner for 160 guests in Freedom Hall and the adjacent lobby. Freedom Hall, which overlooks the Kenosha harbor, was decorated with black and white tablecloths and centerpieces. Kitchen space on the other side of Freedom Hall was convenient for the caterers the couple chose for their wedding dinner.

Guests enjoyed dancing to the music of a DJ on the west end of the lobby, and also helped themselves to the candy dessert buffet set up on the east end of the lobby.

Our special events staff would be happy to help you plan your wedding or reception at the Kenosha Public Museum or Civil War Museum.

We are now booking weddings for 2012 and also handling inquiries for 2013. For further information on planning a museum wedding, contact our special events staff at 262-653-4406 or 262-653-4142.

Wedding photos courtesy of CrossWorks Photography.

Daimler-Chrysler Hall (2,130 square feet)

Ideal for gatherings and meetings for up to 200 individuals.

Friends Gallery Mezzanine (1,050 square feet)

Provides a spectacular, 2nd floor panoramic view of Lake Michigan.

Lobby (2,275 square feet)

A soaring 60 foot glass atrium and glacial till wall provide a unique setting for your reception.

Johnson Classroom (1,370 square feet)

Classroom 126 (630 square feet)

This classroom will accommodate groups of up to 60.

The Field Station may be reserved for birthday parties or school groups.

Civil War Museum

Special event spaces at the Civil War Museum are available for rent. These spaces include:

Lobby (1,300 square feet)

Freedom Hall (2,000 square feet)

2nd Floor Mezzanine (700 square feet)

Classroom (700 square feet)

Seminar Room (640 square feet)

Outdoor Terrace (4,000 square feet)

Spectacular Views from the Civil War Museum Terrace


Freedom Hall at the Civil War Museum is available for rental for banquets, wedding receptions and other special occasions. Up to 120 people may be seated at tables, or open up the arched doors to the lobby for larger parties. Linens and tableware provided by Top Choice Rentals.

Tables are set for an elegant dinner in Freedom Hall at the Civil War Museum. Room rentals also include some AV equipment. A prep area for catering is located just behind the dining area. Linens and tableware from Top Choice rentals.
Tables are set for an elegant dinner in Freedom Hall at the Civil War Museum. Room rentals also include some A/V equipment. A prep area for catering is located just behind the dining area. Linens and tableware from Top Choice rentals.

Most furniture and audio/visual equipment are available for your event, as well as coffee service, catering kitchen, guided and self-guided tours, and electric streetcar tours.

Birthday Parties

Balloons, cupcakes, goodie bags, special appearances from Museum mascots Ty Rex or Woolly, and more make children's birthday parties memorable. The two-hour parties are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year.

You may choose the party's theme:

All parties include a private room, party host, decorations, balloons, cupcakes, juice, goodie bags for guests and an additional gift for the birthday child, a special visit from Ty Rex or Woolly (Museums' mascots), educational activities, and a visit to either the Field Station (Kenosha Public Museum) or a streetcar ride to the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Parties are designed for children ages 4-10.

The cost is $240 for members or $280 for non-members. The price includes:

*Additional children may be added at a rate of $15 per child and must be arranged in advance.

To schedule a party or for more information, contact our special events staff at 262-653-4406 or 262-653-4142.