Rental Policies

Deposit

A $75 deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit will go toward

the retail fee. If at any time, the terms of this contract are broken (solely at the discretion of the museum), the deposit may not be returned.
 

Rental Fees:

• $150 for nonprofits, and $250 for use during regular business hours for a 2-hour event

• $250 for nonprofits, and $600 for an after-hours event (7-9 a.m. or 6-8 p.m.)

• For reunions or special events, call 409-982-7000 - Becky Guidry or Tom Neal

 

Cleaning Deposit

A $50 refundable cleaning deposit will be assessed at the time of booking. The area is to be left neat and clean. This includes cleaning spills, taking out trash, and picking up food. Normal, weekday custodial service is included in the rental fee; however, if extra clean-up is required, the group may not receive the cleaning deposit back. 
     

Payment may be made at the museum with a credit card, check, or cash. Payment via phone can also be made with a credit card.  The remainder of the balance is to be paid on or before the day of the event. The Museum requires a 2-week notice of cancellation. In the event of a cancellation (within two weeks of the event), the deposit will be returned.
 

Event Approval 

All events held at the Museum of the Gulf Coast require prior approval by the Museum Director on behalf of the Port Arthur Historical Society. The Museum reserves the right to refuse a proposed use of the facility based on its relationship to the Museum’s Mission Statement, its relationship with its parent organization, the Port Arthur Historical Society, and the City of Port Arthur. The Museum also may refuse any group/individual facility use privileges if their previous use history reflects negligence and irresponsibility.

 

Facility Use

Facility use includes:

• Breakfast Meeting/Morning Lecture: 7-9 a.m. Monday – Saturday 

• Catered Dinner Party: 6-8 p.m. Monday – Saturday 

• Evening Lecture/Performance: 6-8 p.m. Monday – Saturday

• Lecture (use of theater): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday (Max 37 People)

• High School Reunion/Receptions

   

After-hours events are scheduled in accordance with staff availability and approval by the Museum Director. If an event is not scheduled during regular operating hours, your party is responsible for providing an individual(s) to monitor the front desk and greet guests. 
     

Leasees are not allowed into the building prior to 8 a.m. or one hour before an evening event.
   

No food or drinks are allowed in the exhibit area. Use of food and drinks MUST remain in the Tea Room, Dunn, and First Floor Foyer. 
 

Food, Beverages, Smoking and Prohibited Activities 
According to Texas State Alcohol Beverage Law, it is illegal to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21 years. The group renting the Museum space is responsible for observing and enforcing this law. If serving alcoholic beverages at an after-hours event, your party is required to provide a security officer or designated individual to monitor guests. The Museum of the Gulf Coast reserves the right to close an event at any time should it be necessary for the safety of the Museum facility, exhibits, and/or staff. Food and beverages may be served in the Tea Room ONLY. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Museum. The Museum’s primary responsibility is for the preservation of the works of art entrusted to its care. Any person or persons whose behavior threatens or appears to threaten the Museum’s collections will be asked to leave the building.

 

Event Area Set-Up and Break Down

The Museum is responsible for preparing the event areas with the necessary equipment prior to the event. Please ensure that the Museum is informed of your set-up request(s) and subsequent changes before the event.

 

Clean-Up 
The rented area will need to be left neat and clean. Normal weekday custodial service is included in the rental fee; however, if extra clean-up is required, they may keep the cleaning deposit.

 

Damage 
Any damage to Museum facilities or equipment beyond normal wear and tear will be reported to the Director on the following business day. The group is responsible for the repair and/or replacement cost associated with such damage.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who Can Rent Museum Space?

The Museum is available for rental by Lamar State College Port Arthur Departments/Affiliated Groups, business organizations, and private groups. All events held at the Museum of the Gulf Coast require prior approval by the Museum Director on behalf of the Port Arthur Historical Society. After-hours events are scheduled in accordance with staff availability and approval by the Museum Director. The Museum reserves the right to refuse a proposed use of the facility based on its relationship to the Museum’s Mission Statement, its relationship with its parent organization, the Port Arthur Historical Society, and/or its partnership with Lamar State College - Port Arthur and the City of Port Arthur. The Museum also may refuse facility use privileges to any group/individual if their previous use history reflects negligence and irresponsibility.

 

What Areas Can Be Rented at the Museum? 
Tea Room/Hospitality 
This area is perfect for cocktails, small social gatherings, and lectures. It can be rented after hours or for breakfast gatherings. Rental of this area also includes access to the 1st and 2nd floors for viewing exhibits. However, all refreshments must remain in the Tea Room during the event. Maximum of 35 people for this area. 
 

Tea Room Plus 1st Floor 
This area is designed for buffet-style breakfasts or dinners as well as stand-up receptions.

 

What Events/Capacity Can Happen In Each Location? 

• Buffet-style Breakfasts or Dinners: 75 people (max.)- Tea Room and first-floor foyer

• Buffet-style Breakfast or Dinner: 35 people (max)-Tea Room Only

• Stand-up receptions: 100 people (max.)- Tea Room and first-floor foyer (available only for after-hours rental)

• Meetings or lectures: 50 people (max.)- Tea Room and theater if needed

• Presentations or small concerts: 55 people (max.)

 

Can we schedule tours during our event? 
Yes! Guided gallery tours are available. Tours are given by members of the Museum education department. These tours typically last 1-1 ½ hours. There is an extra charge of $3/person for a guided tour.

 

How are tables and chairs arranged?

For further rental information, email the Director of the Museum at mogc.director@gmail.com or call 409-999-6281.

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