THE STATE MUSEUM SPECIAL EVENTS

For centuries, the gracious structures of the French

Quarter have served as the backdrop for grand celebrations. Presidents, popes and kings have been treated to the city's own brand of Southern hospitality amidst the architectural artistry of the

Vieux Carre. Today, the continues the festive tradition by offering special event rentals at three of our historic properties —the

Cabildo, Presbytere, and The Old U.S. Mint.

All three museum buildings are registered national landmarks, filled with beautifully displayed artifacts from Louisiana's rich history and culture. They are among some of the largest spaces available in the

French Quarter, each offering its own distinctive atmosphere for your special event.

THE CABILDO 701 Chartres Street, Jackson Square Built in 1799 as the seat of the Spanish colonial rule in , is perfect for lar- ger receptions or events. The second floor houses the room where the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies took place in 1803. The second floor also features a window-filled gallery with spec- tacular views of Jackson Square, making it a one of a kind backdrop for your event.

Maximum capacity 500 cocktail reception / 100 seated dinner

THE PRESBYTÈRE 751 Chartres Street, Jackson Square Nearly identical in design to the Cabildo, this 16,000 square foot venue hosts our must-see Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond exhibit. The second floor features an interactive permanent exhibit of all things Mardi Gras. The building also features a window-filled gallery overlooking Jackson Square, providing the perfect space for your ceremony, reception or dinner.

Maximum capacity 500 cocktail reception / 100 seated dinner

OLD U.S. MINT 400 Esplanade Avenue across from the French Market Originally built in 1834 as a working mint, this massive landmark boasts a square block of fenced-in grounds and is located on the tour bus route. The newly renovated $4.7 million performance hall on the third floor features a stunning room equipped with the latest light and sound technology – perfect for musical performances. The versatility of the space makes it the ideal venue for large corporate events, fundraisers, and festivals.

Maximum capacity 500 cocktail reception (all floors and grounds) 120 seated (performance hall only)

RECOMMENDED CATERERS

New Orleans Catering Company, Inc 504-837-1075 www.nocatering.com

Food Art 504-524-2381 www.foodartinc.com

Café Reconcile 504-568-1157 www.reconcileneworleans.org

Palate New Orleans 504-684-2990 www.palateneworleans.com

Southern Hospitality Catering 504-897-0477 www.SouthernHospitalityCatering.com

Pigeon Caterers 504-262-0412 www.pigeoncaterers.com

Joel’s Catering 504-827-4200 www.joels.com

Capdeboscq Catering 504-341-8890 www.capdeboscqcatering.com

Dakota-Cuvee Events 504-782-1841 www.dceventsnola.com

Fleur de Lis Catering 504-833-0871 www.fdlcatering.net

DONATIONS AND RENTAL FEES MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES Hosts will donate a gift to the Louisiana Museum Break out of the hotel habit and hold your next business Foundation fund designated for use by the State Museum meeting at the Louisiana State Museum. Meeting rooms for endowment, educational, acquisitions, publications, are available in both the Arsenal (Cabildo) and the Old conservation, and building function support purposes. U.S. Mint. The Arsenal can accommodate up to 100 Expenditures of monies in the fund generated by these guests seated theatre style and the Mint can hold up to donations shall be subject to approval of the Joint 175 people. If you need a classroom or conference-style Legislative Committee on the Budget prior to set up, the Arsenal holds 50 people and the Old U.S. Mint expenditure. Donations are tax deductible . holds 75.

Building Standard Rate Each Additional Hour 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1-3 Hours) 1-4 hours $400 Cabildo $3000 $1000 4-8 hours $600 Presbytére $3000 $1000 U.S. Mint $3000 $1000 After 5 p.m. (Minimum time: 1 hour)

Number of Guests 1st Hour Additional Hour Donation Fees Time will be rounded to the next quarter hour to 1-100 $400 $100 determine donation requirements after the initial 3 hours. 101-200 $650 $150

In addition to the donation fee, hosts are required to pay An additional cleaning and repair fee of $200 during a Building Usage Fee that covers all service and utilities public hours and $300 during nonpublic hours will be costs of the event. All special events include museum charged for costs involved in preparation and post- security, maintenance and an on-site coordinator. This function cleaning, set-up and break down. fee also include set up and break down times. In addition, a cleaning and repair fee of $300 will be charged for Maximum 200 guests (Arsenal) preparation and post-function cleaning, set-up and break down.

Building Usage Fees Number of Guests Standard Rate Each Additional Hour (1st hour) 1-200 $600 $150 201-300 $700 $200 301-500 $800 $250 After 5:30 p.m. only. Maximum 500 guests Minimum time: 1 hour Other Fees

Early Building Closure $250 per hour

Use of Building Outside of Normal Business $250 per hour Hours (Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

GUIDELINES TABLES AND CHAIRS • All tables and chairs brought into the museum and to be To safeguard our historic buildings and artifacts, hosts are placed on wood floors must be outfitted with felt pads on the end of each leg to prevent scratching and scuffing of required to comply with some special guidelines. Please the floors. carefully review these guidelines and share them with your caterer, florist and/or professional event planner. GIFT TABLES AND COAT CHECKS • The Museum cannot be responsible for gifts brought to the FOOD PREPARATION, SERVICE, CLEAN-UP event. Either the caterer or the organizer should make • Only electrical appliances may be used to heat food. No arrangements to receive and store gifts during the event flames – candles, Sterno, propane, butane, flaming and for transporting the gifts home immediately following desserts – may be used anywhere in the museum, including the event. courtyards. Cooking and frying is also prohibited. • The State Museum does not provide materials or personnel • Seafood may not be served in their shell. Peeled shrimp for coat checks. These should be arranged in advance with and crawfish, lump crabmeat, and oyster dishes are all the caterer. permitted. • Red wine may not be served; champagne and white wine are permitted. INSURANCE • Containers used for holding ice must be either properly All outside organizations and individuals holding events in the insulated (for example, Igloo-style ice chests) or wrapped in Louisiana State Museum properties are required to sign an newspaper and plastic to prevent moisture on the floors. Indemnification Agreement and provide proof of insurance with Drink glasses, plates, silverware and other items may not • the Louisiana State Museum listed as additional insured. The be placed on exhibit display cases, furniture, pedestals, host’s homeowners insurance or proof of insurance from the window ledges and other museum property. caterer is usually sufficient. Specific requirements are outlined • Service staff is required to bus guest areas frequently to in the Rental Information packet. This type of insurance can pick up used items. usually be purchased for the duration of the event. Please • Caterers are responsible for removing trash after the event. contact your insurance agent for details. Trash may not be left on city sidewalks for pick-up. SMOKING AND FIREWORKS

• Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all museum properties,

including interior courtyards. Guests may use the street-

level arcades of the Cabildo and Presbytere as smoking

areas if tables and ashtrays are provided.

Fireworks, sparklers or similar items are prohibited inside • the museum and courtyard areas; however, these items

may be used outside the gates of the buildings.

DECORATIONS AND FURNISHINGS

• Flowers, garlands, ribbons, and other traditional

decorations are all welcome. Large or unusual displays or

equipment must be approved by the museum at least ten

(10) days before the event.

• No potted plants or trees are allowed.

• Rose petals cannot be scattered on the floors. • No glitter, bubbles, confetti or feathers are permitted in Thank you for your attention to these regulations, which the Museum. are designed to protect the Louisiana State Museum’s • Rented tables and chairs must be fitted with felt-tipped facilities and artifacts. If you have any questions, please legs to prevent damage to floors. • The museum cannot remove or re-locate exhibits or contact Kyla Boutte at (504) 568-6941 or via e-mail at artifacts for any reason. [email protected]. • Special displays, decorations or equipment are permitted only if approved by the Museum Director and finalized ten days in advance in a written agreement with the Louisiana Special thanks to the following for the use of their State Museum. photography featured in this document: RDS concepts, USA Hosts and A Bryan Photo.