IMSS Events
FAQs

Your Wedding Reception Venues Chicago Questions Answered

Discover the Perfect Setting for Your Special Day: From small and affordable wedding venues to unique mansion settings, IMSS Events offers the best wedding and event spaces in Chicago. Whether you’re planning a lavish wedding reception, an intimate gathering, or a corporate event, our historic venue combines elegance with versatility to make every occasion memorable. Explore our FAQs to learn more about how we can bring your event to life, tailor every detail to your preferences, and answer all your pressing questions. Start planning your dream event with us today!

Reserve Your Date

We host a wide range of events, including corporate gatherings, weddings, receptions, lectures, and more.

No, we do not offer in-house catering at the moment. We offer trusted partners that is familiar with our space. You can find them on our preferred vendors page.

A: Yes, but the outside caterer must sign a facility use agreement form and arrange a walk through

Yes, you can bring your own decorations, but it has to be free-standing and must be approved by approved by us. Open flame, such as candles, must be pre-approved. We have pre-approved candles available for a fee. Oversized decoration will require you to purchase additional one day event insurance. 
Yes, we provide limited audiovisual equipment and technical support for presentations and other multimedia needs for a fee. Please refer to our furniture list for what is available on site. Guests are also welcome to bring their own technology equipment.
 
A: Though event planners are not required it is recommended.
 

Yes, we have ramps and elevators available for guests that require the amenity. 

Yes. With the booking, you will be offered 4 designated parking on site. We also offer partnered parking at 1350 N Lake Shore Drive. You or guests will need to present your parking ticket to the front desk in the gift shop to acquire validation for the discount parking.

No. Our pricing is very transparent.
You will need 50% down to secure the date. The remaining balance to be paid in full 30 days prior to the event. Otherwise, the event will be cancelled.
 

We do not charge a date change fee. As long as the date is available for you, we can change your date. If cancellation is needed for your event, please notify our venue staff at least 2 weeks before the event. You check to see available dates here.

Send us an email to rebook. contact@imssevents.com

The 50% downpayment is non-refundable. If cancellation is necessary, please notify your venue contact 45 days before the event. Cancellation after the final payment (30 days before the event) cannot be refunded. 

Every event is unique, and so are your guests' comfort needs. At IMSS Events, we understand that seating preferences can vary widely among events—some may prefer a more casual atmosphere with ample standing room, while others might want every guest comfortably seated. Here’s how we can accommodate your specific needs:

  • Personalized Consultation: To ensure we align with your vision for your event, we recommend a personal consultation with our event planning team. During this discussion, we can explore various seating arrangements and understand your preferences in detail.

  • Flexible Seating Options: We offer a range of seating solutions to cater to different styles and sizes of events. Whether you're planning a formal dinner or a relaxed cocktail evening, we can adjust the layout to maximize comfort and style.

  • Interactive Floor Planning Tools: Utilize our online tools to experiment with different seating configurations. This interactive feature allows you to visualize the setup and make informed decisions about guest comfort and space utilization.

  • Client Testimonials: Hear from past clients about their experiences and how we adapted our space to meet their event needs. This can give you insights and ideas for what might work best for your occasion.

  • Contact Us: Have specific questions or unique requirements? Our team is just an email or phone call away. Reach out to us directly to discuss your needs and how we can help create the perfect environment for your event.

Here is a starting suggestion according to party size:

  • 200 people:  10 six ft tables, 50 chairs, 5 Highboys, 2 bar table 
  • 100 people:  8 six ft tables, 40 chairs,  4 Highboys, 1 bar table 
  • 50 people:  5 six ft tables, 20 chairs, 3 Highboys, 1 bar table

 

All private events include the use of all four floors of the Museum.

Evening Cocktail Reception
Maximum 200 guests

Seated Dinner Reception
Maximum 100 guests

Wedding Ceremony
Maximum 100 guests

Business Meeting or Luncheon
Maximum 100 guests

Seated Theatre-style Presentation
Maximum 100 guests
Yes, all private events include the use of all four floors of the Museum.
Guests and vendors are welcome to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the booked start time and must leave when the scheduled cleaning time begins.
With each booking, the host will receive 4 on-site parking spots. Additional parking is available at our partnered parking lots. For more details, please visit our 'Visit' page on our website.
Only food and drinks supplied by approved caterers are allowed within the museum premises.

Photography is permitted throughout the museum, but flash photography is prohibited in certain exhibits. Guests are asked not to move or touch any displays or artifacts.
The museum strives to make all events accessible to everyone. If you require special accommodations, please inform us in advance. Additionally, please consult with museum staff before using the antique elevator.
Smoking is not allowed inside the building or within 25 feet of the building’s exterior to maintain a clean and safe environment for all guests.
Yes, you may add décor and candles to enhance your event, but all decorations and the use of candles require prior approval from the Museum. Please note that open flames are not permitted inside the Museum. However, candles placed within glass holders, where the glass rises higher than the flame, are acceptable for use on tables and in fireplaces.
For each event, the Museum provides one to two staff members to assist throughout the evening. Their responsibilities include greeting visitors, providing parking validation, assisting with purchases at the gift shop, and coordinating with caterers and vendors. Additionally, to enhance the experience of your guests, our Museum staff will be available to offer informal interpretations of the art and artifact collections, exhibitions, and the history of the building.
The Museum has a list of approved vendors who have been carefully selected based on their high standards and quality of service, ensuring they are suitable for our historic space. If you wish to use a vendor not on our approved list, they may be considered pending a review to ensure alignment with the International Museum of Surgical Science’s Facility Use Guidelines and Policies. For more information, please refer to our Approved Vendors list.