When you rent out the facility for outside events there is always the
chance that the renters don't "get it," i.e., don't fully understand
that you are a MUSEUM and not a banquet hall.  They tend not to like any
restrictions you place on them (such as where they can and can't have
food, what caterers have been approved for use, what kind of stuff they
can bring in--especially FLOWERS--they always want to bring them in and
strew them around and they are never bug-free) and get into huge
arguments.  Weddings are the worst, b/c it's such a stressful life event
anyway and most brides (or rather, their mothers) won't accept anything
except THEIR WAY, and perfection.  No matter how much they say they love
the atmosphere "just the way it is," as plans progress they will want
you to rearrange the furniture, dig up plants, etc. to accommodate their
version of the perfect event.

If you do decide to do this (and I'm not saying that it can't work),
make sure that all potential renters know up front what you will and
will not do for them, and that your primary mission is preservation.

BTW, corporate meetings tend to be the best renters.  They don't ask for
much and often will let you give a little spiel before their meeting,
and will let you distribute membership brochures etc.

Just our experience.

Julia Muney Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center

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