Scienceworks

Museums Victoria / Venue hire and private functions / Scienceworks
Boiler House, Pumping Station

Unique spaces for hire

Scienceworks provides several unique spaces for hire, including the spectacular Melbourne Planetarium, the Lightning Theatre and vast outdoor Arena. Perfect for large events, family days, and cocktail functions with a point of difference, Scienceworks offers an exciting backdrop for a range of events.

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Spaces for Hire Floor Plan Image Gallery Event Packages Filming and Photography Get in Touch

SPACES FOR HIRE

Group of children running towards the camera. Old brick building in the background

Scienceworks Arena

Floor area: 2700 M2

Capacity: Banquet 300 | Cocktail 1000 | Family Days 2000

Scienceworks Arena is a large outdoor oval space suitable for various events, from casual gatherings to bigger celebrations. This expansive venue sits between the Scienceworks building and the historic Pumping Station.  

The arena provides a picturesque backdrop for any occasion, with panoramic views of the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline. 

People viewing a show in the planetarium

Melbourne Planetarium

Floor area: Foyer 420 M2 | DOME theatre 200 M2 

Capacity: Foyer Banquet 130 | Foyer Theatre 40 | Foyer Cocktail 200 | Dome Theatre 150

Features a 16-metre-wide domed ceiling, the Melbourne Planetarium theatre provides a stunning backdrop for private screenings, presentations, and tailored shows exploring the night sky or the universe.  

The space is equipped with 150 reclining seats and audio-visual technology, with the adjoining Planetarium Foyer providing space for cocktail functions, dinners, or networking events prior to a Planetarium show. 

Girl running through a white tunnel

Main Exhibition Gallery

Capacity: Cocktail 600

We love hosting cocktail parties and other events in the Main Exhibition Gallery – guests always get a real kick out of our renowned Sportsworks exhibition.

See if you can keep up with Cathy Freeman in a ten-metre sprint, brush up your snowboarding on our simulator, and find out more about your body’s potential. There's something for everyone to enjoy.

Audience watching a science show

Lightning Theatre

Floor area: 120 M2

Capacity: Theatre 114

Perfect for giving your event an electrifying atmosphere! In the Lightning Theatre we have a fascinating Tesla coil – watch the two megavolt machine conduct electricity and shoot out beams of purple lightning. You can simply hire the Lightning Theatre for an exclusive show or take advantage of the auditorium-like theatre for presentations of your own.

Helen R Quinn Energy Lab

Floor area: 114 M2

Capacity: Theatre 120

Proudly named after the highly esteemed, Melbourne-born physicist Helen R Quinn, our Energy Lab is a fully-equipped auditorium perfect for dynamic presentations. We also host product launches, lectures and performances in this comfortable space.

Download the Scienceworks floor plan to view the available spaces, including the size and capacity.

Scienceworks Floor Plan

Image gallery

Unique spaces for hire at Scienceworks

Audience watching a science show Long tables with white table clothes and large floral decorations Scienceworks staff member presenting in Helen R Quinn Energy Lab Sciencworks oval at night Group of children running towards the camera. Old brick building in the background White marquee set up on a grassed area Colourful exhibition space Four people walk through a blue and white tunnel in an exhibition space Long tables with white table clothes and large floral decorations Melbourne Planetarium foyer Constellation on Planetarium dome

Event packages

Weddings

Combine history and beauty for an unforgettable wedding at Melbourne Museum or Immigration Museum. From intimate cocktail receptions to lavish sit-down banquets, our venues offer a range of unmatched settings for your special day. 
Girl running through a white tunnel

Corporate Family Days

Experience a family day event at Melbourne Museum or Scienceworks for the perfect setting to entertain a range of stakeholders and their families. From interactive, world-class exhibitions at Melbourne Museum, to the immersive Melbourne Planetarium and Main Gallery at Scienceworks, our venues accommodate events to engage guests of all ages.

Event Experiences

Enjoy private exhibition viewings alongside your function, dine in prehistoric gallery spaces and gain rare insights into our vast collection. View our range of onsite experiences across all Museums Victoria venues to elevate guest experiences and enhance your next event.
Filming and photography

Filming and photography

With spaces featured in large-scale film productions and locally produced television shows, to fashion and commercial photography shoots, Museums Victoria’s venues offer a variety of backdrops to enhance or complement your production. Enquire to find out more about our spaces available for photography and film projects.

Filming and photography

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to plan your event? We can't wait to help you plan your next event, whether it is a large corporate dinner or an intimate cocktail party, in one of our distinctive spaces. 

Get in touch

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