Facility Rental Overview

Situated on Milwaukee’s lakefront, Discovery World is the perfect venue for your special event. We offer a vast array of breathtaking sites both in and outdoors. Our attention to detail is unsurpassed. From corporate events and weddings, to graduations and galas, Discovery World is the ideal choice to delight your guests.

Weddings, corporate, and other private events at Discovery World are catered by the award-winning cuisine and service of Bartolotta Catering and Events.

For more information regarding private events rentals at Discovery World, please contact our Events Manager, Ben Cook, at 414-238-1801 or email bcook@discoveryworld.org. You may also fill out a request form using the button below.

As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, the revenue generated from facility rentals goes to supporting our mission of providing fun and educational experiences through interactive exhibits and educational programs for families and students in Milwaukee, the region, and the state of Wisconsin.

Event FAQ

Once you have reviewed the details of the Discovery World event program, an Event Specialist will assist you in checking availability and answer any questions you may have.

In order to confirm your event, a signed contract and deposit are required. Your Event Specialist will contact you fourteen (14) days prior to your event to confirm food, beverage and event details. A final contract will be provided.

GUARANTEED NUMBER OF GUESTS

A guaranteed number of guests are required for all functions no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event. Should the client not provide Bartolotta Catering and Events with the timely guarantee, the estimated attendance on the catering agreement will serve as the guarantee.

PAYMENT

A signed copy of the contract and deposit equal to 50% of your estimated food, beverage and rental fees are due within 10 business days. The second pre-event payment to Bartolotta Catering and Events will be based upon the guaranteed number of guests, reflecting any modifications of original proposal, and is due no less than seven (7) business days prior to the event. Should proper payment not be received within the designated time, Bartolotta Catering and Events reserves the right to cancel the function. Any additional charges incurred during the event will be paid at the end of the event via credit card or cash. Bartolotta Catering and Events requires that a credit card authorization form be filled out, signed and returned fourteen (14) days prior to your function, to be kept on file for any additional charges.

DISCOVERY WORLD ADMISSION

Discovery World admission is an optional program to add to your event. It is not included in your room rental or food and beverage minimum.

For day events, your Event Specialist will provide you with wristbands on the day of your event, to give your guests. Guarantee of admission will be the same number as your final guest guarantee count. Tickets are only valid on your event day and cannot be redeemable for a future date. All admission is self-guided. Exhibit maps are available upon request.

SERVICE AND TAX

A banquet service charge of 21% will be added to the total food and beverage price. The state of Wisconsin tax laws requires the hospitality industry to collect 5.85% sales tax on food, beverage, service charge and miscellaneous fees.

DECOR AND ENTERTAINMENT

All decorations, additional lighting and sound systems, event setup, and entertainment proposed by the client shall be subject to approval by Discovery World and Bartolotta Catering and Events. No live animals, other than seeing eye dogs, are to be brought on the Discovery World property.

CANCELLATION

In the event a function is cancelled, client shall be responsible for a cancellation fee. See contracts for cancellation fees.

AUDIO/VISUAL

Discovery World has its own audio/visual services. While you do have the option of providing your own audio/visual for your event, this must be coordinated and approved through your Event Specialist. An additional fee will be applied.

FIRST AID

Groups over 1000 guests are required to have first aid to be on-site. Applicable charges will be included on the master bill.

We are happy to help coordinate all of your event needs. Bartolotta Catering and Events is the exclusive caterer for Discovery World. For all other event needs, you are welcome to work with a vendor of your choice.

Yes, events can occur while the museum is open. However, some locations can become less private while the museum is open due to general admission traffic. Events occurring before or after hours of operation are subject to a security charge.

If a private space is booked for your event, no admission fee will apply. However, if exhibit areas of the museum are needed, either a flat fee or admission fee will apply depending on time of day.

Once you select a date with our Event Specialist and they confirm availability, they will send you a contract to confirm the date and times. We ask that you wait to send out any invitations for the event until all parties have signed the contract.

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