The University Museum of Zoology, as one of Cambridge's major attractions, can provide a unique and memorable space for your event. Located in the heart of Cambridge, just off Downing Street, the Museum is the perfect place for evening functions. We have two options available for hire:
The Whale Hall
The glass walled Whale Hall, designed especially to house our 21 metre long fin whale, forms an impressive entrance to the Museum and is the perfect space for an evening drinks reception. The Whale Hall can accommodate up to 150 guests for a standing only reception.
The Whale Hall plus Museum galleries
The Museum holds many wonderful treasures, such as specimens discovered by the great naturalists, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. For those who wish to include guest access to the galleries as part of the event, the galleries can be hired together with the Whale Hall. Tours of the Museum can be arranged for guests (subject to staff availability and at extra cost). The Whale Hall and galleries together can accommodate up to 300 guests for a standing only reception.
Catering and Music
All catering arrangements must be made directly with one of our approved caterers, a list of which will be provided. These suppliers have clear instructions of which food and drinks may be served. Certain drinks and foodstuffs that are likely to stain will not be allowed in the Whale Hall and food and drink is not permitted in the Galleries. The Whale Hall is able to accommodate background music, but due to the nature of the space only certain types of live performance are suitable. We are able to recommend musicians, please discuss when booking.
Suitability
The Whale Hall is suitable for standing receptions only, and cannot accommodate sit down dinners. The Whale Hall is not suitable for children's parties.
Contact details
To arrange or discuss an event, or to find out rates, please contact Lisa Sneath at ls761@cam.ac.uk or call 01223 765416.
Income generated through venue hire goes towards the conservation and care of the collection and the development of the on-going education and exhibition programmes.
Venue Hire Leaflet
zoology_hire_jul2022_v4.pdf (1.95 MB) 
