MUSE Venue Rental Policies

Availability: Before submitting a rental request, please check our MUSE Community Calendar to ensure your desired date and time are available.

Rental Time Slots: We offer hourly rentals with a minimum booking of one hour. All bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance. YOUR BOOKING REQUEST SHOULD REFLECT THE TIME NEEDED TO SETUP AND TEAR DOWN, NOT JUST FOR THE EVENT ITSELF.  We are a small team of two, and to ensure your event runs smoothly, we kindly ask that all requests include setup and teardown time. If you need early access or additional time beyond your reservation, please let us know—we’re happy to accommodate when possible, but extended access will be billed accordingly. If you or your vendors are in the building, your booking time applies. This policy helps us manage our workload and provide the best experience for every event. Thank you for understanding and respecting our time. 

Deposit: A 50% deposit is required upon booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due on the day of the event.

Balance Due: Your final balance is due at the time of the event. A Square invoice will be sent on the day of the event. You may remit payment over Square with a processing fee of 3% added to the total, or via cash or check (without the processing fee) in person.

Equipment and Setup: In your request form, please list any equipment or setup needs in your request. Additional fees may apply for special requirements.

Cancellations must be made at least 10 business days in advance to receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations made within 10 business days of the event will forfeit the deposit.

Ceiling Fixtures: Nothing may be hung from water or sprinkler lines in the ceiling. These systems are critical for safety and must remain unobstructed at all times. The only fixture that can be used to hang from the ceiling are the light bars which should be coordinated with MUSE staff.  

Glitter, Confetti, and Small Particles: Glitter, confetti, and similar materials are discouraged. If used, they must be fully contained and thoroughly cleaned up after the event. Failure to do so may result in additional cleaning fees.

Adhesives and Fasteners: Use only non-damaging adhesives such as painter’s tape for attaching decorations. Do not use nails, tacks, staples, or duct tape on any surfaces. 

Open Flames and Fire Hazards: No flames are permitted. All candles must be LED and battery-operated. 

Floor Safety: Avoid using decorations or materials that could damage the polished, lightly sealed concrete floors. No attachments of any kind to the floor. (No tape or adhesives.)

Spill Management:Any spills must be promptly cleaned to avoid stains or damage to the flooring. Cleaning supplies will be provided upon request.

Decoration Removal:All decorations, including tape, adhesives, and fastening materials, must be removed at the end of the event.

Waste Disposal:All trash, recycling, and leftover materials must be placed in the designated receptacles.

Final Inspection:Renters are responsible for leaving the space in the condition it was found. A staff member will conduct a post-event inspection to ensure compliance.

 Renters that host 25+ attendees, are presenting anything considered a high-risk activit, or are using vendors (such as caterers) are required to provide proof of event liability insurance, including MUSE Sturgeon Bay as an additional insured party. Please reach out to MUSE staff regarding whether your event requires additional insurance. 

Access and Setup Time: Access will be indicated in your rental agreement. 

Event End Time: End time will be indicated in your rental agreement. 

Cleanup Time: Clean-up should occur at the end of your event. If additional cleanup time is needed, please coordinate this with staff. 

Occupancy Limits: The fire code capacity limit is strictly enforced at 215 people. 

Safety Compliance: Adherence to local fire codes and safety regulations is required.

Catering: Please confirm with staff what caterers you desire to use so that they may determine if the catering space is suitable for the food provider. 

Alcohol: Beer and wine may be sold at the bar, serviced by MUSE staff. An additional charge may be added for the labor hours. Liquor and spirits are not permitted on MUSE grounds. (MUSE only holds a beer and wine license.) MUSE will retain alcohol profits unless an open bar package is purchased for your event. 

Food Cleanup: All food waste must be removed from the space after the event before host leaves the building. Please remit all trash to dumpsters in the parking lot.

Audio/Visual Equipment: MUSE can provide audio/visual equipment, including microphones and projectors, at an additional rental fee. Please inquire about specific equipment and associated costs when booking.

Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the facility.

Equipment Liability: Renters are responsible for any damages to or loss of MUSE equipment during their event. Repair or replacement costs will be charged accordingly.

Sturgeon Bay noise ordinances restrict noise to 55 dBa between 10:00 PM and 6:30 AM, and 90 dBa at all other times.

Amplified music is restricted from 12:00 AM to 6:30 AM, and 10:00 PM to 11:59 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 12:00 AM to 6:30 AM on Friday and Saturday.

https://library.municode.com/wi/sturgeon_bay/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH10ORCO_10.09UNEXUNNOPR

The following activities are strictly prohibited on MUSE premises: drug use, illegal activities, and the use of hazardous materials. Smoking or vaping are permitted on the patio or the sidewalk. Cigarette butts must be disposed of properly in designated receptacles and are not permitted to be left on the ground.

Events involving children must be supervised by an adult at all times to ensure safety and proper conduct.

Vendors providing equipment or services on-site at MUSE must supply a valid certificate of insurance prior to the event date. This certificate should demonstrate adequate coverage for liability and any potential damages related to their services.

Vendors are responsible for the complete cleanup and removal of all equipment, materials, and waste associated with their services immediately following the event. Failure to comply may result in additional cleaning fees or charges for disposal.

MUSE is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Guests are encouraged to keep their belongings secure during their time at the venue.

Any items found on the premises will be held in the Lost and Found for up to 14 days. After this period, unclaimed items may be donated or discarded at MUSE’s discretion. To inquire about lost items, please contact the box office at 920-333-2859 or email at contact@musesturgeonbay.org with a description of the item and the date it may have been lost.

MUSE shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in fulfilling its obligations under this agreement due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, severe weather, natural disasters, government regulations or restrictions, pandemics, public health emergencies, strikes, power outages, or other unforeseen circumstances (“Force Majeure Events”).

In the event of a Force Majeure Event that prevents the scheduled rental or event from occurring, MUSE will work with the renter to reschedule the event to a mutually agreeable date, subject to availability. If rescheduling is not possible, MUSE may issue a refund or credit at its discretion, less any non-recoverable costs already incurred.
The renter acknowledges that MUSE is not responsible for any additional costs, damages, or losses incurred due to a Force Majeure Event.

Prohibited Items: The use of fireworks, sparklers, or any other pyrotechnic devices is strictly prohibited. Weapons, including but not limited to knives, guns, or any other items intentionally designed to cause harm, are strictly prohibited.

Damage Fees: Any damage to the facility, furniture, or equipment will result in charges for repair or replacement.

Pre-Approval: For special decoration requests or items not covered in this policy, please contact our staff for pre-approval prior to the event.

Patio Use: All noise ordinances as outlined below need to be followed. All patio furniture must be used safely and put back in their original locations at the end of the rental period.