Museums and Attractions for Events

Unique venues such as museums and attractions provide groups with more than just enhanced surroundings. They serve as a conversation piece and an escape from the everyday while also offering exposure to works of art, special exhibits or even the chance to get closer to wildlife. Even more importantly, however, these spaces provide opportunities to come closer together as a group in a setting that leaves a long-lasting impression.

The National Constitution Center also can work with clients to create hybrid event options offered in-house through Advanced Staging Productions. “We are all here to assist our clients from day one and ensure a successful event experience for your guests"

Events at and visits to the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA are always memorable. The venue features: a dramatic cobblestone courtyard; floor-to-ceiling glass windows with scenic views of the Brandywine River along its three-story atrium and in the Millstone Café; unique native plant gardens; and six galleries of internationally renowned art with an option for docentled tours.

Surrounded by natural beauty, the outdoor campus boasts five-miles of trails along the river and on conserved lands with site-specific art installations that allow for a fully-immersive Brandywine experience.

What’s more, the Brandywine River Museum offers flexible spaces for events of all sizes, accommodating everything from day meetings and corporate retreats to evening receptions, award dinners and weddings in spaces like its courtyard, river room, café and atrium.

“Having access to the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s collection - featuring renowned works of art by three generations of the Wyeth family, early American portraits, landscapes and still-life paintings, along with temporary exhibitions ranging from 19th century to contemporary art - sets us apart from other venues,” states Donna Gormel, director of volunteers and events for the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art. “Being located along the scenic Brandywine River in an historic mill building with glass-walled additions also is a plus.”

“Guests can expect thoughtful staging of each event by a designated event planner - with capacity limits and adherence to recommendations from the CDC and federal, state and local governments - to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all,” Gormel adds. “Brandywine’s in-house catering staff,

led by the executive chef, have been trained in ServeSafe® protocols.”

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD offers corporate groups and leisure travelers a one-of-a-kind experience by providing exclusive access to award-winning habitats featuring thousands of animal species from all over the world. One of Baltimore’s most unique event venues, it provides groups and travelers alike with a chance to journey from reefs to rainforest amid thousands of animals.

“From the close-up animal encounters of the Blacktip Reef underwater viewing area to the iconic bubble tubes at the exhibit’s entrance, guests can make incredible photo memories at our spacious venue,” explains Nora Campbell, director of sales, National Aquarium. “For corporate groups, no other venue can offer the exclusivity we’re offering, and for leisure travelers, we have a range of tour options to customize and elevate your experience to suit your interests. Corporate groups can have access to the building after hours - after the public has left for the day. Travelers can opt to explore our awe-inspiring habitats without the crowds, allowing them to get up close and personal to some of the world’s most unique animals.”

National Aquarium event guests can enjoy a strolling cocktail hour through the award-winning exhibits in Blue Wonders, dine and dance in the company of dolphins and jellies in the property’s Pier 4 event space, or enjoy sweeping views of Baltimore's Inner Harbor from the Harbor View Room REIMAGINE | REINVENT RECONNECT Events

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On September 18, 2021 museums across the nation will adopt the policy of the Smithsonian, opening their doors for free to visitors with a Museum Day ticket. With many public spaces being shut down for a year or more, Museum Day 2021 celebrates the reopening of museums after long closures due to the pandemic. This year’s theme, Experience America, represents the return to, and resurgence of, the nation's diverse cultural experiences.

While tickets will be free of charge, participating museums will have safety precautions in place for this year’s event so that guests can safely and comfortably enjoy their experience. This year’s event is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company who seeks to further enhance the event’s mission of making cultural and educational experiences accessible to all.

Each ticket provides free admission for the ticket holder and one guest, with one ticket permitted per valid email address. For the full list of participating museums and to download a ticket, visit: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2021 and outdoor event space. During events in Pier 4, guests also have access to the underwater Dolphin Discovery viewing area until 10:00 pm, where they can watch the dolphins in their habitat.

More than a venue, National Aquarium truly is a destination, Campbell asserts. “No other venue offers guests the beautiful backdrop of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the chance to get acquainted with thousands of animals from around the world. As guests explore the building after-hours, the human connection to water invokes a sense of serenity unparalleled by any other venue. With conservation at the heart of our mission, the National Aquarium is a venue that groups can feel good about supporting. A portion of the expense to hold an event at the Aquarium goes directly toward advancing life-saving animal rescue operations, critical conservation initiatives, and protection for our ocean planet.”

Depending on the event space chosen there are different capacity restrictions and seating arrangements that are available to allow for a safe and enjoyable event experience. Event spaces also are thoroughly cleaned before and after each event. Protocols are followed in accordance with federal, state and local guidelines, and extra precautions are in place to protect guests, staff and volunteers.

Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, PA offers the option of renting the entire zoo for a private after-hours event. Guests can enjoy all of the animal exhibits in this 16-acre venue while choosing from multiple locations for their food and beverage. Easily accessible via major highways, attendees will appreciate its convenience and the free parking onsite.

“Our locations include our beautiful Canopy Gardens Hall, two large covered

picnic pavilions, Zoo Brew Beer Garden, and our Trail of Jaguar exhibit space,” notes Jane B. Dempsey, director of sales for Elmwood Park Zoo. “We offer a variety of options to meet any type of event a client is looking to host - meetings, trade shows, cocktail parties, elegant dinners or family nights.”

Elmwood Park Zoo is able to offer a number of unique experiences for groups. Guests can head to the giraffe feeding deck and hand-feed the zoo’s three giraffes, or enjoy a meet-andgreet with one of the zoo’s ambassador animals, such as the Philadelphia Eagles’ live mascot.

“If you are looking for a great team building event, we offer our Treetop Adventures Ziplining and Obstacle Course,” Dempsey suggests. “Our vintage carousel, percussion garden and playground create a family-friendly event to satisfy adults and kids.”

As an outdoor venue, Elmwood Park Zoo offers plenty of open space to maintain physical distancing, and provides a fun and safe environment for organizations who are looking to reward employees or attendees after a long year of working remotely and meeting virtually.

The National Constitution Center, located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, PA, offers an ideal setting for any occasion. With 60-foot-high ceilings and sweeping window views, including of Independence Hall from the Grand Hall Overlook, its event spaces can accommodate groups small or large and boast stateof-the-art conference and meeting rooms that are available for both day and evening functions.

“Beyond gorgeous open event spaces, we offer unique elements of a worldclass interactive museum,” explains Jennifer Kniele, senior director of events for the National Constitution Center.

Riverside view of the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, PA; photo credit: Mark Gormel

“Visitors and guests will be inspired by our 17-minute multimedia theatrical experience, Freedom Rising, as it brings the Constitution to life through 360-degree projection, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a dynamic live actor who illuminates the American quest for freedom. Signers’ Hall offers guests the chance to sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers, and we offer several other exhibits for guests to explore and enjoy.”

Spaces and options for events include both indoor and outdoor options, such as: Grand Hall Overlook, Grand Hall Lobby, Rooftop Terrace, John C. Bogle Chairman’s Room, F.M. Kirby Auditorium, Delegates’ Café, a private dining room, and Freedom Classroom.

Among the exhibitions groups can enjoy while on-site are: The Story of We the People in The Richard and Helen DeVos Exhibition Hall; Freedom Rising in the Kimmel Theater; the statues of Founding Fathers in Signers’ Hall; Constituting Liberty: From the Declaration to the Bill of Rights in the George H.W. Bush Gallery; Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality; The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote; and American Treasures: Documenting the Nation's Founding.

“The National Constitution Center offers event space in a unique shape, which allows us to host everything from an intimate 20-person dinner to a 2,800-person reception throughout the building,” explains Mike Boris, general manager for Brûlée Catering, exclusive caterer for the venue. “The spacious Rooftop Terrace, located just off the Grand Hall Overlook and perched above historic Independence Mall, it is a great outside space to host both elegant and relaxed outdoor receptions.”

“Our expert team provides exceptional customer service throughout the planning process and on the day of the event,” Kniele adds. “We have a seasoned team on-site in all areas; from the National Constitution Center’s event team to Brûlée Catering, our exclusive on-site caterer, as well as Advanced Staging Productions, our exclusive audio-visual vendor. These team members can create custom floor plans to complement the flow and needs for your specific event.”

The National Constitution Center also can work with clients to create hybrid event options offered in-house through Advanced Staging Productions. “We are all here to assist our clients from day one and ensure a successful event experience for your guests,” asserts Kniele.

As a GBAC Star accredited venue, the National Constitution Center has performance-based third-party validation of its cleaning practices, procedures, and systems. The policies enacted by the venue are guided by the most upto-date health information and recom-

mendations by the CDC, state and local authorities, and are discussed with each client on an event-by-event basis to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Nicknamed the Village of Museums, Cooperstown is well suited to hosting both corporate groups and the leisure travelers. Anchored by the sophisticated Otesaga Resort Hotel, attendees enjoy visiting this one-stoplight village to experience arts and culture, as well as checking the baseball mecca off their bucket list by heading to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. These venues are accessible via the Village Trolley loop, so guests can experience it all without having to worry about driving and parking while here.

Cooperstown is home to captivating history, impressive art collections, and scenic views. The nation’s largest collections of American Indian art and other seasonal exhibits (April - October) await at the Fenimore Art Museum, which boasts lake views from its outdoor terrace. Enjoy the fresh air at the Farmers’ Museum and its Country Village, visit with farm animals, and learn about rural life in the 1800s from knowledgeable interpreters.

Tour Hyde Hall, an elegant historic mansion located within Glimmerglass State Park. Or visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the ultimate stop for baseball fans of all ages with artifacts and historic representations of America’s favorite pastime.

Learn about the fascinating history of train transportation in the area at the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad experience and enjoy a relaxing and scenic train ride through the countryside. ing arts centers in nearby Oneonta to the permanent and rotating exhibitions at the Fenimore Art Museum, celebrating the best of American art, Cooperstown has so much to offer.

Proximity to these attractions from the Otesaga Resort Hotel makes for a convenient and luxurious stay. The overall group experience is relaxed, since there is very little travel involved once in Cooperstown. Arrangements can be made in advance with the Leatherstocking Trolley for groups to move about more easily to additional attractions, such as the Hyde Hall mansion tour. Ghost tours in the area can be a lot of fun, as well.

“Guests can expect a peaceful retreat with the highest of cleanliness standards while staying at the Otesaga,” notes Jacqueline White, travel trade manager for This Is Cooperstown, the destination marketing corporation serving Otsego County, NY. “Reservations may be required in advance for some attractions. Best practice is to call in advance for individuals and always for groups.”

Each of these museums and destinations provide planners with so much to see and do on-site as well as unique and interesting spaces to pair with scenic views. Whatever the event, there are spaces at each of these museums and attractions that can provide the perfect setting.