Corporate Retreats and Meetings
Just 60 minutes from Madison, or 90 minutes from Chicago, Burpee Museum is conveniently located for corporate meetings. Groups from 5 to 500 regularly reserve our function space for your corporate event. Featuring Rock River views, an internationally acclaimed Paleontology program, and a unique museum, your event will be truly special.
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Large Events
Accommodating groups up to 300 people, Burpee is the perfect location for your corporate event, craft fair, fundraiser, and even family reunion! With experience with may types of events, Burpee staff will work with you to create layouts that will make your event flow with ease.
What spaces are available?
We offer both large and small spaces. Large rooms are ideal for lectures or group sessions, while smaller rooms work well for breakout sessions.
Riverview Hall: Seats 200 at dinner tables, can accommodate more with different seating arrangements.
Mahlburg Auditorium: Seats 125 for dinner service, 190 for lecture setups.
Outdoor Amphitheater: Seats 300 comfortably along concrete amphitheater levels.
Boat House Classroom: Seats 40
Classroom 1 (lower level): Seats 50
Classroom 2 & 3: Seats 40 each
Barnes Mansion: Seats 30 for dinner service, accomodates up to 50 with different seating arrangements.
What are Rental Prices?
While specific space rates are listed on our website, we offer money-saving packages that include multiple locations, as well as seasonal rates. For details, contact us at 815-965-3433 or events@burpee.org.
Can my guests tour the museum?
If your rental is during normal business hours, every guest is welcome to all of our museum exhibits. If your event is after hours, we are happy to set this up for you, but it will need to be planned in advance.
Does Burpee Offer Food Service?
Burpee does not have in-house catering but works with preferred local vendors who are familiar with our venue and have catered many events here. A catering kitchen is available on the lower level.
May I bring my own food?
Due to health department regulations, only store-bought food or food from one of our approved vendors can be served. Homemade food, or food made by someone without the proper health department certifications on file at Burpee Museum, is not permitted.
May I bring my own alcohol?
Due to health department regulations, alcohol must be provided by one of our approved vendors and served by a certified bartender.
Small Events
From 5 person business meetings to 50 person company retreats, Burpee is a perfect location to host your party, gala, or corporate event.
What spaces are available?
We offer both large and small spaces. Large rooms are ideal for lectures or group sessions, while smaller rooms work well for breakout sessions.
Riverview Hall: Seats 200 at dinner tables, can accommodate more with different seating arrangements.
Mahlburg Auditorium: Seats 125 for dinner service, 190 for lecture setups.
Outdoor Amphitheater: Seats 300 comfortably along concrete amphitheater levels.
Boat House Classroom: Seats 40
Classroom 1 (lower level): Seats 50
Classroom 2 & 3: Seats 40 each
Barnes Mansion: Seats 30 for dinner service, accomodates up to 50 with different seating arrangements.
What are Rental Prices?
While specific space rates are listed on our website, we offer money-saving packages that include multiple locations, as well as seasonal rates. For details, contact us at 815-965-3433 or events@burpee.org.
Can my guests tour the museum?
If your rental is during normal business hours, every guest is welcome to all of our museum exhibits. If your event is after hours, we are happy to set this up for you, but it will need to be planned in advance.
Does Burpee Offer Food Service?
Burpee does not have in-house catering but works with preferred local vendors who are familiar with our venue and have catered many events here. A catering kitchen is available on the lower level.
May I bring my own food?
Due to health department regulations, only store-bought food or food from one of our approved vendors can be served. Homemade food, or food made by someone without the proper health department certifications on file at Burpee Museum, is not permitted.
May I bring my own alcohol?
Due to health department regulations, alcohol must be provided by one of our approved vendors and served by a certified bartender.
Night at the Museum
After 5pm the museum is closed to the public, but open for your event! From family parties to business celebrations to school events, Burpee pulls out the stops for your VIP night at the museum!
What is included?
After 5pm the museum reopens for your guests and closes at 8pm (longer sessions are available at different price points).
Your guests get museum access with interactive booths set up specifically for your event. Additional docents including live animal handlers and/or paleontology and dinosaur experts will be available to work at your event and make your event extra special. (advance reservation of docents required)
What are Rental Prices?
The basic Night at the Museum package starts at $2,400 for a 5pm-8pm after hours event. Additional options and packages are available. For details, contact us at 815-965-3433 or events@burpee.org.
Can my guests tour the museum?
Absolutely! We hope to wow them with extra special VIP care during the event.
Does Burpee Offer Food Service?
Burpee does not have in-house catering but works with preferred local vendors who are familiar with our venue and have catered many events here. A catering kitchen is available on the lower level.
May I bring my own food?
Due to health department regulations, only store-bought food or food from one of our approved vendors can be served. Homemade food, or food made by someone without the proper health department certifications on file at Burpee Museum, is not permitted.
May I bring my own alcohol?
Due to health department regulations, alcohol must be provided by one of our approved vendors and served by a certified bartender.