Request a Rental

Contact Information

"Many, many thanks to you and your staff for hosting our group at the Museum! We have had countless comments from our members on how hospitable the Museum staff was and how delighted they were at an opportunity to see what the Museum was all about. I cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work on this event. Our event was exceptional and could not have been so successful without your assistance."

   -Ashley Brillante, Colorado Forum

Preferred Vendors

Please join us in supporting the following vendors by considering them when hosting your event at the Discovery Museum.

Catering Services

 1887 is dedicated to the fine art of entertaining. Combining 40 years of food and beverage experience, Executive Chef Dave Cuntz and Emily Spencer specialize in catering memorable events in private homes and in other unique Durango, Colorado venues.   970.385.1887

Artistic Taste Catering aims to support local farms and artisan food purveyors whenever possible.  Colorado has a wealth of organic produce and sustainably raised meat, as well as artisanal cheeses and bakeries. A list of farm and artisan purveyors is available upon request. Know your food.  Eat local.  970.769.6480

Louise at the Museum

Back sass may be the last thing you're looking for in a food experience, but this food-truck-with-attitude promises to make your visit worth the whinge.  970.317.1555

Facility Rentals

Welcome to the Durango Discovery Museum! We are pleased you are considering locating your meeting, event, celebration or party at the Powerhouse and/or the Carlton Family Science Education Center, aka “The Ed.”

Ideally located with close access to the Animas River Trail and downtown Durango, the Discovery Museum is equipped to stage numerous functions, including board meetings, speaking engagements, and workshops, plus stylish holiday and dinner parties.

Due to museum hours scheduling, we are unable to host weddings. However, we invite you to locate your pre- and/or post-wedding events here.

Facility tours are available Tuesday through Friday by appointment only. Please contact Ashley Hein at 970-403-1861 to schedule a tour, prior to booking your event.

The Ed accommodates up to 35 people (seated with tables) or 45 people (no seats or tables). Limited complimentary parking is available to all museum patrons on a first-come first-served basis; we encourage our guests to walk, bike, and carpool.

The Ed is available for rental Monday-Saturday, 8am to 9pm (cleanup concluded by 10pm); and Sunday, 8am to 6pm (cleanup concluded by 7pm), excluding museum holidays and closures.

HO Peet Room

Multi-Purpose Room

HO Peet + Multi-Purpose Room (combined)

Powerhouse Theater, SUIT Energy Gallery + Plaza

The Powerhouse is an entirely unique, rentable location for Durango. Located among a renovated, century-old, landmark AC power station adjacent to the scenic Animas River, the Powerhouse is ideally suited for high-end parties, receptions, retreats, and more. It comprises the expansive outdoor brick Plaza, the SUIT Energy Gallery's interior exhibit space, and the indoor Theater.

The Plaza and the SUIT Gallery easily accommodate up to 150 guests, while the Theater seats up to 35 people with tables or 50 without tables. Additionally, the Theater offers a state-of-the-art sound system with screen and projector, ideal for displaying digital movies, slideshows, and presentations. Limited complimentary parking is available to all museum patrons on a first-come first-served basis; we encourage our guests to walk, bike, and carpool.

The Powerhouse exterior is available Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30-9:00pm (cleanup concluded by 10pm). The Powerhouse interior is available Wednesday-Sunday from 5:30-10:30pm (cleanup concluded by 11:30pm).

Please note: Food and/or beverage is NOT allowed in the SUIT Energy Gallery at any time.

Powerhouse Theater

Powerhouse SUIT Energy Gallery

Powerhouse Plaza

Rental Discounts

Discovery Museum members earn a 10% discount off final cost, not including deposit. Civic and non-profit organizations earn a 25% discount off final cost, not including deposit. Proof of current membership, non-profit or civic organization status is requested to qualify for discount.

Additional Fees

Cleaning/Deposit Fee: $150 (8am-5pm, or ongoing long-tem use) or $200 (5-9 pm). Separate check please. Your check will be returned after your event, if all contractual stipulations have been met.

Staff Fee:   $100 will be added to all rentals and parties with 50 guests or more ($50 for parties with fewer than 50 people). This will ensure you have a Museum representative available to help you set up and clean up, as well as be available during your event.