Event Rental FAQs

The National Nordic Museum recommends using one of our high-quality local preferred catering vendors to ensure the best event experience for you and your guests. While we occasionally allow renters to choose another caterer, additional fees, restrictions, and a refundable cleaning deposit will apply.

If you plan to provide alcohol, a licensed bartender is required to serve at your event per Washington State law. All our preferred caterers can provide licensed bartenders and help you determine what additional permits you may need to acquire for your event.

No. Your chosen caterer and any other hired vendors will be responsible for the set-up and clean-up of your event. If you are not serving food and would like assistance with these responsibilities, Museum staff may be scheduled to assist you for a fee.

Yes. The insurance requirements are included in your contract, and our Venue Services team can discuss your options for obtaining a Certificate of Insurance for your event.

In addition to the spaces specifically listed in your contract, renters have access to the catering kitchen, restrooms and water fountains for guests, and elevators or stairs as needed. The Museum Store and Freya Café are not included in your rental.

As part of your rental, you may use our tables, chairs, A/V systems, carts, power cords, and easels. Stage rental, pipe and drape rental, and bistro light rental are available for an additional fee. For more information about the items currently available, please fill out our Rental Inquiry Form.

Since the Museum displays delicate and irreplaceable items, we do have limitations on décor. Restrictions include but are not limited to: 

• Flames;
• Confetti, glitter, or organic petals;
• Adhering items to walls or surfaces without express permission;
• Helium balloons;
• Plants or organic matter in the galleries or gallery-adjacent areas of Fjord Hall.

Additional restrictions are listed in your contract.

Events in Osberg Great Hall, the Nielsen Lounge, and our small spaces have flexible start times, though additional fees may apply. Many of our rental spaces are also part of our working Museum, and full set-up access starts at 5:00 PM. If you are planning a very large event or need extended access, our Venue Services team can discuss your options in more detail.

No. Our audio-visual systems are generally straightforward to use, and our staff will give you or members of your team basic training to ensure your event technology runs smoothly. If you need advanced A/V assistance or wish to ensure that the production quality of your event is top-notch, we recommend that you hire a professional production team.

For evening events, you may add our onsite parking lot to your rental agreement for your guests’ convenience. If you choose not to prepay the parking fees, your guests may still use the parking lot and will pay at the kiosks located in the lot. Paid and free street parking is also available in the neighborhoods surrounding the Museum. 

For daytime events we cannot reserve the full parking lot and encourage you to discuss parking options with the Venue Services team.

Service animals are welcome at the National Nordic Museum. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.

For events that occur during our normal visitor hours, we can offer you and your guests discounted access to exhibits. If your event occurs outside of these hours, gallery access can be added to your rental contract for a fee.

If your event is scheduled more than twelve months in advance, this information may not be available. Please note that the National Nordic Museum hosts a variety of different exhibits during the year, some of which are displayed in rental spaces. We are unable to remove these during events, though we will update you on any additions or changes as we learn of them.

Non-profit organizations with proper documentation are eligible for discounted rental rates at the Museum.

National Nordic Museum Members at the Steward level and higher receive discounts on event rentals at the Museum! Learn more about our Membership options here.

All deposits are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your original event, the Museum will apply your deposit to a future event with some restrictions. The Museum will accommodate alterations to your rental to the extent possible and apply your deposit to the final fee inclusive of any changes.