The Venue FAQs
What types of events are the Museum available for?
Ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, meeting spaces, banquets, birthday parties, holiday parties, reunions, showers, etc.
What setting does the venue provide?
Indoors only. Events occur in the historic Trade Floor of the Cotton Exchange
Do you offer valet parking?
No, but we are happy to provide the name of a service.
Is there handicap access?
Yes, we do have handicap access.
Are there any steps at your venue?
There are two steps leading to the event space. A ramp can be provided
What is the maximum capacity of your venue?
150 standing or 80 seated.
What does your catering kitchen have?
A large, double door refrigerator, an ice-maker, three large sinks, a microwave and prep space.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes.
Where can my guests park?
There is a parking garage just two doors down from the Cotton Museum called “Parking Can Be Fun”. You can contact the attendant at 901-578-7426. On street metered parking is also available on a first come, first served basis.
Can we use the lobby for my event?
Unfortunately, the lobby of The Cotton Exchange Building is shared with the tenants of the building; therefore we ask that you keep your event within the Museum. You’re welcome to use the gift shop, Trade Floor, Exploration Hall, and classroom for your event.
How late can my event go?
Events can last for up to 8 hours. We do ask that your music is lowered and things begin wrapping up by 11:30PM to be considerate of the tenants of the building. Clean-up and breakdown should be complete by 1:00AM.
Does the Cotton Museum have chairs, tables, or linens available for use?
We have many tables for your use. The museum table chart is found here. We do not provide linens of chairs for your event.
What are the rates to rent the Cotton Museum?
These depend on the time of year, the day of the week, and whether or not the Museum will have to close for your event. For further information about rates please contact us at (901) 531-7826 or use this contact form.
Can my event occur during regular Museum hours?
Yes, but there is an additional fee to close the Museum. This fee will vary depending on the date.
Do I need insurance?
The Cotton Museum’s insurance extends coverage to its renters. The cost of this coverage is included in your rental fee. We do require that your bartender is TABC certified.
Can I put up decorations?
One of the great things about renting the Cotton Museum is that the room already has colorful detail and beautiful architecture.saving you on your decorating budget. You are welcome to decorate the Museum, as long as your decorations do not damage the space.
Is there a place where my party can change clothes?
Yes, we have two large restrooms on the main floor. Our classroom, in the east wing of the Museum, also makes a great staging area or bridal suite. It is perfect for storing your belongings or changing clothes.
Can we move the cases in the Museum?
Most of the cases on the Trade Floor are movable. The Cotton Museum staff will move the cases for you on the day of your event. Depending on your preference, we are also happy to leave them in place. Guests should never try to move Cotton Museum property on their own. A staff person is always available to do this for you.
How can your catering kitchen accommodate my caterer?
The Cotton Museum has a medium sized kitchen with a large double door refrigerator. We have three large dish sinks, a small hand sink, a small coffee maker, a coffee air pump, microwave, and an ice maker that can produce two hundred pounds of ice.
What caterers can I use?
We are happy to provide a varied list of preferred caterers with experience working in our venue. Other caterers may be used with approval by Museum staff. Our contract stated that your caterer is responsible for trash removal and clean up of the catering kitchen. These responsibilities will ultimately fall on you as the renter of the Cotton Museum.
Do you have any storage room available?
Yes, we have a large room for storage of tables, floral arrangements, decor, catering supplies, and any other equipment.
What’s the maximum amount of seated and standing guests the Cotton Museum can accommodate?
The Museum will hold up to 150 people standing and around 80 seated. Using the Exploration Hall will help increase that number by about 50 people.
Can we use the Cotton Museum Trade Floor for our wedding ceremony and our wedding reception?
You absolutely can use both. Your guests could break away for a cocktail hour in the Exploration Hall and take a look at the Museum gift shop while the venue is being flipped for the reception. Since we do not commonly make these arrangements, we do need to discuss the flipping process and make sure that you have someone to set up and take care of all of your arrangements.