Rental FAQ
Reserve space for seminars, satellite or video conference equipment, meetings, weddings, holiday parties, trade shows, forums, company parties, and company picnics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When can I have an event at Discovery Center?
Answer: Discovery Center is open for rentals 7 days a week! We are open to the public 10am to 6pm Tuesday-Sunday, so full and half building rentals during these times incur an additional fee. Our Auditorium and 4th Floor spaces can be reserved any time you’d like!
All rentals must be completed by 1:00 am or the renter agrees to pay a $100.00/hour overtime charge starting at 1:01 am plus a $35/hour staffing charge. Let us know if you plan on your rental running late, and we can work with you to schedule this ahead of time.
Q: When can I reserve a date for my event?
A: You can book your rental as far in advance as you’d like! We need at least two weeks notice to book your rental and a 25% deposit to hold the date. Payment is due two weeks before your event. Any last minute changes are up to the discretion of the rental coordinator.
Q: What happens if I need to change or cancel my event date after it is reserved?
A: We understand things come up, so your rental can be cancelled or rescheduled up to two weeks in advance with no penalty! Any changes during the two weeks leading to your rental may be accommodated at the discretion of our rental coordinator based on our availability.
Q: Will Discovery Center provide staff for my event?
A: Discovery Center provides one staff per rental for general assistance, exhibit facilitation, and emergencies. This does not include set-up or tear-down or serving. Additional staff may be booked for full or half building rentals or parking monitoring.
Q: Is Discovery Center involved in the planning of my event?
A: Discovery Center will provide advice and suggestions on the planning of your event. Discovery Center must approve all event plans.
Q: Can my guests play with the exhibits?
A: Yes! Our full and half building rentals include the exhibits in those areas for your guests to enjoy! You can also rent out our new Lu: Digital Interactive Playground! Please contact our rental coordinator if you’d like to add exhibit time to your Auditorium or 4th Floor rental.
Q: Where should my guests park?
A: Your guests may park on the East side of the Discovery Center; our parking lot holds 79 cars. There are also many free parking spaces surrounding Discovery Center’s building. If you anticipate more cars, please contact our rental coordinator to reserve an additional parking lot.
Q: Does Discovery Center provide tables, chairs, and linens?
A: Each rental space comes with a set number and type of tables and chairs, but we are happy to provide more or different options at an additional fee! Black tablecloths can be added to your rental for $3 each.
Q: Does Discovery Center provide food?
A: Discovery Center does not provide food, but we can recommend a few amazing local caterers
Q: Can I serve alcohol at my event?
A: Yes! You will just need to provide us with a copy of your caterer’s liquor license, and alcohol cannot be served past midnight or be taken off the premises. We are more than happy to recommend a caterer for your next event!
Q: Can I decorate for my event?
A: You can bring any decorations you’d like except glitter, pinatas, and confetti. Let us know ahead of time if you plan to have hanging decorations, so one of our staff can help out!
Q: When can I set up for my event?
A: You may setup at the beginning of your rental time. Please contact our rental coordinator if you need to setup sooner.
You can contact our team at 417-862-9910 for a contract and to set up a visit to the Center or email us by clicking the button above.
View parking and driving directions here.