University of Iowa staff, faculty, and students reserve space in the Old Capitol at reduced rates for their units, departments, orgs, and groups to host lectures, symposiums, receptions, meetings, commencements, and other special events.
UI Event Rental Options:
Host a special event for your UI department or student org inside the most iconic symbol of our university, right at the center of campus.
The historic Senate Chamber is the perfect location for your UI sponsored event. Host UI department or student org sponsored lectures, symposiums, keynotes, conferences, award ceremonies, commencements, investitures, meetings, presentations, and more right in the Old Capitol Museum—sure to impress your visitors. UI groups receive reduced pricing for event rentals at the Old Capitol Museum.
- What's included in your hourly event rental of the Senate Chamber
- Consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
- Onsite staffing to assist with hosting
- Seating for up to 165 guests
- Access to all galleries for photography and exploration
- Full A/V and equipment access and support from staff. See list of A/V capabilities and available equipment included in your rental on our FAQ page.
- What's not included:
- Staff time, support, or guaranteed building access outside of your rental time. This includes early set up, or late tear down.
- Catering for all events is a separate cost and must be arranged through our only food and alcohol approved vendor, University Catering. No food or beverage are allowed in the Senate Chamber. Review the receptions tab below to learn more about special events with food and drink.
- Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.
Host a standing cocktail-style reception or add one before or after your event in the Senate Chamber. Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and mingling bring your guests together in a memorable way.
Receptions in our beautiful Rotunda spaces are available for special event rentals. These reservations must take place outside of our public hours and require both the hourly staffing rate with an additional flat fee for receptions.
- What's included in your reception rental:
- Consultation, planning, and support from our Events & Operations Coordinator
- Onsite staffing to assist with hosting, set up, and clean up
- 12 6 ft. folding tables
- 12 cocktail rounds
- Banquet chairs
- Additional exhibit rooms available for food buffets, bar, and desserts
- Access to the entire building for your private, after-hours event. Additionally, our staff are tour trained and can provide experiential interactions throughout the museum with guests if desired.
- Storage space for up to one week so clients don't have to worry about packing up on the day of their event
- What's not included:
- Staff time, support, or guaranteed building access outside of your rental time. This includes early set up, or late tear down.
- Catering for all events is a separate cost and must be arranged through our only food and alcohol approved vendor, University Catering.
- Clients are responsible for their own decorations. Please review our FAQ page to learn more about acceptable décor.
| Guests | Event rental | Reception fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UI Departments | 165 | $100/hr | $450 |
| UI Student Organizations | 165 | $50/hr | $225 |
