Museum Rentals
Located on the sprawling 319 acre Cranbrook campus, Cranbrook Institute of Science boasts fourteen featured exhibits exploring everything from the unknowns in the universe to the core of the Earth. The unparalleled location, historic campus, and acclaimed exhibitions make the Institute of Science a premier event venue for meetings, corporate receptions, private functions and wedding receptions.
The Institute of Science can accommodate an intimate gathering of 10 or a reception for hundreds within its exhibits. We also offer a planetarium and observatory for private viewings of our current shows or customized presentations. Guest can dine with the dinosaurs, enjoy cocktails with the cascading waterfall in the Erb Science Garden, or create unforgettable memories under the night sky of the Acheson Planetarium or the Cranbrook Observatory.
Special traveling exhibits also provide an exclusive backdrop for events, and offer a chance to stage a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For more information, contact Molly Tobiczyk, Event Coordinator at 248 645.7721 or by email at MTobiczyk@cranbrook.edu.
Staff-Led Birthday Party
available select days through May 21
Offered Saturdays 10am-Noon, 2-4pm
Or
Sundays 11am-1pm
We have party-hosting down to a science! Staff-Led parties include a host, private room rental, guided museum tour, and memorable hands-on activity of your choice. From set up to clean up, we’ll be with your group every step of the way!
Staff-Led Birthday Party Pricing:
$500 (members) or $600 (nonmembers) for up to 24 guests
“Guest” applies to total # of adults and children 2+. Additional guests (limit 35 guests total) are $15/each.
Price includes:
- General museum admission and option to purchase 50% discounted SUE: The T. rex Experience (SUE available through April 30)
- 2-hour party plus time for set-up and clean-up
- 1 museum host for first 24 guests
- Guided museum tour and hands-on activity (options below – select at time of booking)
- Private room rental
- Free parking
- Gift for the birthday child ($25 voucher for museum Science Shop – no cash value)
Galactic Birthday Party
available select days through May 21
Offered Saturdays at 10am-Noon (planetarium 10:30)
Or
Sundays at 11am-1pm (planetarium 11:30)
This party has it all! Party fee includes a host, private room rental, museum tour, private planetarium show, and a special gift for the birthday kiddo. From set up to clean up, your host will be with your group every step of the way. Pick your favorite planetarium show from our current schedule.
Galactic Birthday Party Pricing:
$1,000 (members) or $1,200 (nonmembers) for up to 50 guests
“Guest” applies to total # of adults and children 2+. Additional guests (limit 75 guests total) are $15/each.
Price includes: • \
- General museum admission and option to purchase 50% discounted SUE: The T. rex Experience (SUE available through April 30)
- 2-hour party plus time for set-up and for clean-up
- 2 museum hosts
- Staff-led program
- Private room rental
- Private planetarium show of your choice
- Free parking
- Gift for the birthday child ($50 voucher for museum Science Shop – no cash value)
Self-Guided Birthday Party
available year-round
Host your own Self-Guided party! Roam the halls to complete a scavenger hunt, purchase planetarium tickets, and on Friday evenings, peek through the telescope in the Observatory. We’ll give you the tools you need to have a great celebration!
Self-Guided Birthday Pricing:
$325 (members) or $375 (nonmembers) for up to 24 guests
“Guest” applies total # of adults and children 2+.
Price includes:
- General museum admission and option to purchase 50% discounted SUE: The T. rex Experience (SUE available through April 30)
- 2-hour party
- Reserved tables in the Lower Lobby of the museum
- Scavenger hunts for guests
- Free parking
- Gift for the birthday child ($10 voucher for the museum Science Shop – no cash value)
Ready to book?
A $100 non-refundable deposit officially holds the date and will go towards the final cost of your party. Please contact Molly McGrath at mmcgrath@cranbrook.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring food?
Absolutely! The museum doesn’t provide food or decorations. We do, however, have a fabulous onsite café with a limited menu. You’re welcome to bring birthday treats or have something delivered. Please refrain from serving or ordering menu items containing peanuts, tree nuts, or any known allergens. Staff-Led parties also include an additional 30 minutes before and after the party to set up and clean up the rental room. Please note: adhesives and tape are not allowed on painted surfaces and all balloons must be removed from the museum.
What are the activity options for a Staff-Led Party?
We have lots of options for guests ranging in age from 5 to 12. Some recent favorites include:
Dino Mite (Recommended for ages 5-7):
Pass around real fossils and casts from the Institute’s collection and have all your dinosaur questions answered by our museum expert!
Incredible Insects (Recommened for ages 5-8):
Check out our displays, get up close to a hissing cockroach, and take the eating-an-insect challenge – who needs birthday cake?!
Physics stage show (Recommended for all ages):
Sit back and enjoy several stage demonstrations using audience volunteers – you’ll love this hair-raising experience!
What other Staff-Led birthday party activity options are there?
Is there an area of science that your child really digs? Private planetarium shows, souvenir slime, and more… we can talk about custom activity options before you book your party! (upcharge may apply)
What if I want to invite more guests?
Contact Molly McGrath at mmcgrath@cranbrook.edu or 248 645.7721 and tell us more about your anticipated guest list. We’ll gladly answer your questions!
What if we’re members? Or if my guests are members?
A birthday party is more than a typical visit to the museum, so we do include your family and/or member guests in the total guest count. We love celebrating birthdays with our members! Keep in mind, your museum membership entitles you to a member-only party discount!
Can we see a planetarium show?
Definitely! Planetarium shows are an option for Staff-Led or Self-Guided birthday parties And private planetarium shows are available Saturday and Sunday mornings before we open to the public.
Birthday Party Inquiry
Have a burning question? Or a particular date you’d like us to check? Contact Molly McGrath at mmcgrath@cranbrook.edu or 248 645.7721.