Does the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum offer locations for rental events?
Yes. We are pleased to offer distinctive locations within the Library and Museum which are ideal for business meetings, seminars/conferences, receptions, luncheons, dinners and other events.
When are locations at the ALPLM available for rental events?
The Museum is available for evening events. Museum rental events may NOT occur on Wednesdays. Museum events may begin as early as 6:00 p.m.; however, they must end by 10:00 p.m.
In the Library, daytime events may occur from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Set up may not begin until 7:30 a.m.) Evening events may occur after 5:00 p.m. though they must end by 10:00 p.m.
Rental events may occur seven days a week. Rental events may be possible on State of Illinois holidays, IF staffing is available. Additional charges may apply.
How far in advance are rental reservations accepted?
Reservations are accepted up to one year in advance. Exceptions may be made for special circumstances. Please speak with the Facilities Rental Office about any possible exceptions.
What options are there for catering?
August Evenings (Augie's) is the designated caterer for all events at the ALPLM. They offer a range of menus, from beverage breaks to bag lunches, breakfasts and plated luncheons to elegant receptions and dinners.
Rental clients may select an outside caterer if they wish. However, an additional surcharge of 25% of the rental charge will apply. The outside caterer must provide all appropriate licenses and insurances and sign an Outside Caterer Agreement.
See Catering for further information.
What are the costs of renting locations in the ALPLM?
The rental charge is set per room or package. Day/evening rates, as well as half-day rates are available for Library rental locations.
See Rental Rates for more information.
Are there certain policies that apply to holding a rental event at the ALPLM?
Yes. Events at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum must be social, cultural, recreational, corporate, educational or personal in nature. The ALPLM cannot be used for promotional events, commercial events, rallies or political events. Renting an interior space for an event provides no use of any exterior areas.
See Facilities Rental Policies for complete information.
Is it possible to have a wedding ceremony at the ALPLM?
No. The ALPLM does not allow use of the Library or Museum for wedding ceremonies. However, wedding receptions may be held at the ALPLM under standard rental policies.
Wedding ceremonies may be held at Union Square Park. See Request a Union Square Park Permit for more information.
Is insurance required from a rental client?
Yes. Any company, not-for-profit organization or individual wishing to rent a venue at the ALPLM must present a certificate of insurance 30 days before the event date.
Only State of Illinois agencies and Federal government agencies do not have to provide insurance. Please see Insurance Requirements or Facilities Rental Policies for additional information, or feel free to give the Facilities Rental Office a call with any questions.
Does renting a location in the Library for an evening event grant guests access to the Museum's exhibits?
No. An evening Museum rental event is the only way to have access to the Museum's exhibits or theaters. Pricing for Museum rental events is by package. A Museum rental event offers a rental client's guests the opportunity to be the sole visitors to the Museum that evening and the Museum provides a magnificent venue for a reception or dinner.
Are there spaces in Union Square Park or Union Station that are available for rental events?
Union Station and Union Square Park are not available as rental venues.
