Are you looking for a unique venue for your event? Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday party, a family reunion or a business meeting, you may want to consider the Hudson River Maritime Museum. We have three different venues to offer--each with its own capacity and attributes. One is sure to be right for you!
The Barn sits beside the Rondout Creek in Kingston's Rondout business district, giving your guests a unique walkable experience. The classroom at the Wooden Boat School offers a versatile space for lectures and meetings. Another option is the history-filled East Gallery with its high ceilings and waterfront backdrop. Any of our indoor spaces can be rented in conjunction with our yard and docks. We can provide your party with charter trips to the Rondout Lighthouse on Solaris, our solar-powered tour boat. Another fun addition is a charter of the antique trolley car that stops right in front of our building and can shuttle your guests out to nearby Kingston Point Park. The trolley can be arranged directly with the Trolley Museum of New York.
Please review what we have to offer. If you would like to apply, please complete the Rental Application.
Barn
The Barn is our largest space with a capacity of 150+ standing and 125 seated. This space is available on select dates throughout the season May through October. The large open space is flanked with sliding barn doors at both ends to give guests simultaneous access to the waterfront and Kingston's Rondout business district. The site features a raised covered porch entrance beside the yard. Sitting beside the Barn rests the 1898 steam tugboat Mathilda, the largest artifact in the museum's collection. Rental can include use of the adjacent yard and docking spaces if you have a boat that is coming to the event. The Barn does not have a kitchen but rental can include the museum's nearby Wooden Boat School's kitchen facility. Barn includes AC; tables and chairs not included in rental.
Boat School Classroom
The Boat School Classroom is located at the east end of our campus and offers a versatile space that can seat 50+ at tables and up to 80 people for a standing or lecture style event. It is available for rental year-round. This venue also opens directly onto the waterfront and includes a private patio for additional tables or perhaps an outside bar. These rooms feature a low-profile boat-building exhibit, overhead projector and large screen for presentations or lectures. The classroom also has a separate kitchen for food preparation.
East Gallery
The East Gallery is the museum’s largest exhibit space and is home to some of the most fascinating displays of maritime history in the region. Guests can enjoy a variety of exhibits including ice boat displays and sections on local ecology. The room has high ceilings and can accommodate up to 75 people during a standing or lecture-type event.
This space is available for rental year-round but does have constraints on hours as it is open to the public. Because the East Gallery houses historic artifacts, this space is more restricted in use and capacity, however it is perfect for a cocktail-style or similar event. We discourage full meal service in this space but cocktail and appetizers are fine. There are no kitchen facilities available.
Solaris
Solaris is our lovely solar-powered tour boat which is available charter during your event for short rides or tours of the Rondout Lighthouse. The boat can accommodate up to 28 passengers. Built by the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s restoration crew under the direction of Jim Kricker, this vessel does not require fossil fuels to operate and is the only solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River. Learn more about Solaris.
Rental Information
Our rates are negotiable and customizable. Below is a range for each venue and for additional services;
Barn Rental – Event Day $2500-$5500 - Dependent on size and scope
Weddings Start at $5500
Barn Rental – Prep Day $350 - $750 - Dependent on size and scope
Yard Rental – Per day $500 - $1000 - Dependent on size and scope
Classroom/Kitchen Rental $250 - $750 - Dependent on size and scope
East Gallery Rental $1500 - $2500 - Dependent on size and scope
Dock Rental $2.75/foot, per day
Tour Boat Charter $400 for 1st hour, then $350 for each additional hour
Solaris Private Charters $400/first hour and $300/hour for each subsequent hour - Dependent on schedule
Staff $50/hour
The Museum has limited casual-use tables and chairs for rental, as well as limited audio-visual equipment.
Tents, formal tables, formal chairs, linens, settings, lighting, heaters, service equipment, décor, and other event needs can be rented separately from a local rental provider. The Museum has recommendations.
Please note:
Deposit and Payments: 50% deposit of total rental fee is required 60 days prior and the remaining balance is due 30 days prior
Insurance: Renter must supply liability and damage, naming HRMM as additionally insured.
Serving liquor: If serving alcohol, renter will need to provide liquor liability insurance coverage naming HRMM as additionally insured. Other rules will apply.
Subcontractors: All vendors must provide proof of insurance.
Deliveries and Trash: Renter is responsible for managing and receiving all deliveries, as well as removing trash after event.
Noise and Curfew: Sound ordinances and curfews will apply in certain circumstances.
For more information and to book time at any of our sites, please email Liz Feser. Feel free to give us a call at 845-338-0071.