Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Museum available for events? What time could we start?
DeCordova is available for functions every night of the week and during the day on Monday.
Monday: 9 am to 5 pm; 6:30 pm to 10 pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 6:30 pm to 10 pm
Friday – Sunday: 6:30 pm to midnight
Since the Museum is open to the public until 5 PM every day except Monday, event set up begins at 5 PM and is finished in time for a 6:30 PM start.
How many guests can the Museum accommodate?
If you are planning on having dinner and dancing, the Dewey Family Gallery can accommodate 130 guests. Without dancing, the room holds 170 for a sit-down dinner. A standing reception with very limited seating can be planned for 200 guests. There is no minimum number of guests required for events.
Can I do a wedding ceremony and reception? Where would they take place? Could we put up a tent?
DeCordova boasts a long, successful history of hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions. You may begin your wedding ceremony no earlier than 6:30 PM. Weather permitting, most people prefer to host a ceremony and cocktail hour on our outdoor sculpture terrace and then move inside to the gallery for dinner. In bad weather, the whole event can take place inside.
Tenting for private events is not permitted on the Sculpture Terrace or in the Sculpture Park.
Would we be the only group in the Museum on the night of our event?
When you rent the Museum, yours is the only event planned for that date. You and your guests have sole access to function areas.
Are children permitted at parties?
DeCordova does not permit children under the age of 15 years to be present at events. Exceptions can sometimes be made for children in a wedding party depending on their ages and the number included.
Who provides the food for events? And what about the bar?
There are eight caterers approved to work at the Museum. They provide you with food, rentals, and food and beverage service staff. The caterer will provide bar staff to perform all set up and service. You may supply your own alcoholic beverages on consignment through a liquor store.
What is included in the rental fee?
DeCordova has all the tables and chairs necessary for almost any event, and use of these is included in the rental fee. In addition, DeCordova provides a podium, microphone and screen. Museum staff will be on hand to supervise your event. If you are planning to have a wedding ceremony and/or reception at the Museum, you also will have permission to take photographs in the Museum and Sculpture Park.
Would I be able to come to DeCordova to look at the space?
Yes, you may either come to the Museum to take a look on your own during Museum hours or make an appointment for a personalized tour with the Events Coordinator.
Is the Museum air-conditioned and accessible for the physically disabled?
Absolutely!
For more information on functions at DeCordova, contact:
Barbara Barry
Special Events Coordinator
781/259-3638 or email bbarry@decordova.org
