Among the museum spaces available for rental are beautifully restored exhibition galleries and an exquisite rare book library, historic buildings noted for their world-class architecture, and a choice of unique gardens. The museum campus is splendidly suited for a variety of uses including large corporate meetings and intimate business gatherings, cocktail receptions, wedding ceremonies, formal parties and celebrations, and photograph taking.

For detailed information on locations and pricing, as well as other related services, please contact a member of the functions staff at 978-745-9500 ext. 3115. Those interested may also e-mail Natalia Laskaris.

Download a brochure showcasing all the musem settings. (PDF Format, 588k)

The Atrium
The Atrium creates a dramatic space at the heart of the Peabody Essex Museum campus. A soaring glass roof covers the Atrium, which serves as a central gathering space in the tradition of the New England village green. The Atrium is a stunning venue for seated dinners of up to 400 people.

Download more information (PDF Format) about the Atrium

Bartlett and Copeland Galleries
The Bartlett Gallery is the centerpiece in a suite of three galleries dedicated to the museum’s Chinese Export Ceramic Art collection. It accommodates 80 for meals, 126 for lectures, and 200 for standing receptions. It’s outfitted for audio-visual presentations. Moongate Patio is a lovely outdoor adjunct to the galleries.

Download more information (PDF Format) about the Bartlett and Copeland Galleries

East India Marine Hall
The grand banquet hall seats 220 people for an elegant, formal meal, 200 with dancing, 350 for lectures, and up to 300 for standing receptions. Distinguished by seven arched, floor-to-ceiling windows, polished wood floors, and artwork, this is the original museum building. Additional galleries are available for rental, if supplemental space is desired.

Download more information (PDF Format) about East India Marine Hall

Cotting-Smith Assembly House
This 1782 Federal-style building is ideal for small gatherings. Four rooms allow guests to mingle in small, intimate gatherings of 25 to 100 people. The garden is available for tented gatherings of up to 100 people in conjunction with the use of the house, weather permitting.

Download more information (PDF Format) about the Cotting-Smith Assembly House

Phillips Library
Phillips Library is a handsome brick Italianate structure with two rental spaces available.

Phillips Library Reading Room
Gold-leaf cornices atop grand white columns, walls and a molded ceiling in hues of peach and cream, polished wood floors, glazed wooden bookcases, lighted chandeliers, and a wide, grand staircase lend themselves to moments of utmost grace. The Reading Room is the picture-perfect setting for wedding ceremonies of up to 100 guests.

Assembly Room
This spacious and attractive room is located on the ground floor of the Phillips Library, and is well suited for business meetings, presentations and social events. The outer grand foyer is included in this rental fee.

Download more information (PDF Format) about the Phillips Library

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF Format)

Ceremony sites
When available, the following sites may be rented for one hour for wedding ceremonies:

Asian Garden: 100 people
Federal Garden: 100 people
Phillips Library Reading Room: 160 people

Meeting Rooms available weekdays

Phillips Library Assembly Room
Bartlett Gallery
Cotting-Smith Assembly House

Photographic Opportunities
Many of the sites listed are also available for photographs of wedding parties, and other social events in conjunction with the main event.