Facility Rental
About MassMu
Call today to reserve Massillon Museum for your next event! Conveniently located in downtown Massillon, MassMu offers unique spaces to accommodate groups of various sizes and needs. We are an art and history museum offering free admission, committed to community collaborations and accessibility. We care for more than 100,000 items in our permanent collection, and change exhibitions in our galleries several times a year. The Museum is managed by a small staff of professionals with the additional support of over 125 volunteers. All funds from the Museum facility rentals help support our operating costs. In 2018, the Museum underwent a massive building renovation and expansion project adding 18,000 additional square feet of event, gallery, educational, and administrative space.
Rental Questions:
Alexa Polinori
Events and Volunteer Coordinator
330-833-4061 ext. 102
Email
Gessner Hall
This space is ideal for dinners, luncheons, banquets, receptions, award ceremonies, and other private events.
Dimensions
- 54' by 49'
- 2,076 sq. ft.
Capacity
- Maximum (16) round tables of 8 and (3) 6' rectangle tables; seats 128 guests
- Maximum (24) 6’ foot tables of 6; seats 144 guests
- Maximum without tables; seats 216 guests
Amenities
- Wi-Fi system with microphones and sounds system
- Projector and screen
- Prep kitchen (for caterer use only)
- Limited number of tables and chairs
The ability to open the glass garage door, weather permitting, may be an option (only MassMu staff are permitted to operate the door). Linens, china, glasses, and serving utensils are not provided.
| Type of Rental | Deadlines to Book |
| Weddings | 6 months in advance |
| Private Rentals | 6 weeks in advance |
| Time Frame of Cancellation | Percentage of Refund |
| 15-30 Days in advance | 90% Refund |
| 8-14 Days in advance | 50% Refund |
| 7 Days or less in advance | 0% Refund |
Tuesday – Thursday 7:30am – 9:00pm
Weekend rates also apply before 9:30 am and after 5:00 pm on weekdays
| Type of Rental | Base Rate | Non-Profit Rate |
| 4-hour rental | $250 | $150 |
| Additional 1-hour increments | $75 | $50 |
*$100 refundable cleaning deposit will be added to the flat rates. The rental fee includes set-up and tear-down of any tables/chairs needed for the event, and is facilitated by an authorized Museum staff member based on layout approved by both the renter and Museum staff member. Rental period includes time necessary for set-up and tear-down of any décor and food, and trash removal from the space.
Friday – Sunday 9:30am – 11:00pm
| Type of Rental | Rental Cost | Non-Profit Cost |
| 4-hour rental | $550 | $300 |
| Additional 1-hour increments | $125 | $75 |
*$100 refundable cleaning deposit will be added to the flat rates. The rental fee includes set-up and tear-down of any tables/chairs needed for the event, and is facilitated by an authorized Museum staff member based on layout approved by both the renter and Museum staff member. Rental period includes time necessary for set-up and tear-down of any décor and food, and trash removal from the space.
Members of the Massillon Museum receive a 10% discount on Museum facility rental rates, excluding all non-profit all rental rates. Memberships may be purchased at any time at the Museum. A rental deposit fee of 50% is required at the time of booking. An additional room cleaning & damage deposit of $100 is also required at the time of booking. The deposit will be returned in full if the room is clean and no damage has occurred to the room or equipment. The room is not considered rented until the rental contract has been signed and the deposit has been paid.
Rental Questions
Alexa Polinori
Events and Volunteer Coordinator
330-833-4061 ext. 102
Email
Fred F. Silk Community Room
The Silk Room is located on the lower level of the Museum. It is available to Museum members only (individual or above and corporate members) during operating hours. It is a suitable space for meetings, parties or other gatherings.
*Please note that the Silk Room is also an exhibition space for local artists. Artwork must not be disturbed during the rental.
Dimensions
- 35' x 27'
- 1,150 sq. ft
Capacity
- Maximum (10) 6' rectangle tables; seats (54) guests
- Maximum without tables; seats (54) guests
- Maximum without tables and chairs; (100) guests
Amenities
- Refrigerator and sink
- Utility cart
| Type of Rental | Deadlines to Book |
| Private Events | 6 weeks in advance |
| Time Frame of Cancellation | Percentage of Refund |
| 15-30 Days in advance | 90% Refund |
| 8-14 Days in advance | 50% Refund |
| 7 Days or less in advance | 0% Refund |
| Type of Rental | Rental Cost | Non-Profit Cost |
| 4-hour rental | $125 | $75 |
*$25 refundable cleaning deposit is added to the $125 flat rate. The rental fee includes tables and chairs required for set-up, and the renter is responsible for the set-up and tear-down of any tables and/or chairs used during the event. Rental period includes time necessary for set-up and tear-down of any chairs, tables, décor and food, and trash removal from the space.
Additional Information
Catering Kitchen
A prep kitchen is located off of the Event Hall that is designated for serving pre-prepared food, NOT for cooking meals. Amenities include a utility cart and sink. A refrigerator is also available for use during your rental period upon request. Please let the Events and Volunteer Coordinator, know what amenities are needed prior to your event.
Food for public events must be provided by a caterer or be prepackaged from a store or business. Food may not be cooked/prepped in the kitchen or brought in from home if the food is for sale or public consumption.
Private parties may bring in food prepared at home if the food is not for sale or for public consumption. No storage of perishable food items permitted prior to event.
Alcohol*
MassMu has secured a permanent liquor license. Any event where alcohol will be served or sold will require the proper liquor permit and the additional cost of security. Alcohol must be purchased through MassMu and its appointed distributor, as per state law.
*Additional charges may apply for security and permits.
Catering
MassMu has partnered with several preferred caterers to meet your event needs. Depending on the circumstance, exceptions to our preferred caterers may be made for an additional charge. A list of preferred caterers is available upon request.
MassMu Staff Responsibilities
MassMu does not have a dedicated events team. All events are facilitated by Museum staff members, who take time from weekly Museum duties to help coordinate your event. Therefore, MassMu staff is available to answer questions and help your event run smoothly. Staff is responsible for service of alcohol and security when alcohol is being served. Museum staff and the Events and Rental Coordinator must also be made aware of rental delivery and pickup dates and times.
We are, however, not responsible for the following:
- Cleaning up after your event
- Being the intermediary between any rental service or catering company
- Ensuring the arrival or return of any equipment needed for your rental
Staff members are responsible for service of alcohol and security when alcohol is being served.
Rental Questions
Alexa Polinori
Events and Volunteer Coordinator
330-833-4061 ext. 102
Email