Host an Event

Whether you’re hosting a grand wedding gala or an intimate gathering, the Sailing Museum has you covered with capacity between 10 and 300 guests.

Have Your Next Event at The Sailing Museum

Whether you’re planning a cocktail party, formal dinner or intimate gathering, our flexible space can easily host 10 or 300 guests.

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A Unique Experience

Schoonmaker Hall, the signature first floor exhibition space, provides flexible layouts and design elements you won’t find anywhere else.

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Any Size Event

For smaller groups such as mixers, team-building or corporate meetings, our second floor Dorade Deck and Mosbacher Room provide the perfect atmosphere.

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Why Choose Us?

We do not take event bookings for granted, and are proud to earn your trust. Our staff and network of vendors want to make each event as successful as possible. The venue is nothing short of spectacular, with vibrant color, lots of flexibility and inspirational stories that add to the guest experience.

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  • Table set for dinner
  • Bartender preparing cocktails
  • Table with food

Venue Overview

We offer three flexible space options, staged across two levels, to create your special event:

Entire Museum

  • Seated Capacity – up to 120
  • Cocktail Capacity – up to 320
Event serving station
Charcuterie board

Schoonmaker Hall

  • Seated Capacity – up to 100
  • Cocktail Capacity – up to 300
Schoonmaker Hall table seating
Schoonmaker Hall seating

Mosbacher Room with Dorade Deck

  • Seated Capacity – up to 16 (20 with an added table) 
  • Cocktail Capacity – up to 45
Mosbacher Room
Mosbacher Room

ELWELL HARBOR VIEW Deck – NEW!

We’re thrilled to unveil our new David K. Elwell Jr. harbor view deck, located off Schoonmaker Hall on the first floor! It’s the perfect addition for events and visitors, offering stunning views and unforgettable sunsets — a perfect complement to the maritime experience.

Elwell Harbor View Deck

The entire evening was a huge success! We entertained 140 guests for 3 hours with an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The space is colorful, warm, welcoming and fun! Planning this event from PA was turnkey and stress-free. As the hostess, I knew that everything was taken care of, and I was able to relax and enjoy the evening as if I were a guest!

Jennifer McGrath

Explore Unique Event Details

Our venue offers an immersive experience into Newport’s rich sailing history, providing a unique and memorable setting for weddings and engagements. We offer two options:

  • Larger Groups: Schoonmaker Hall features expansive doors, windows and a deck overlooking Newport Harbor, offering breathtaking year-round sunset views.
  • Intimate Gatherings: The second floor Dorade Deck and Mosbacher Room provide a more private setting with a bird’s-eye view of the museum floor, ideal for smaller groups (typically 40 guests). This space is perfect for heavy appetizers, drinks, and socializing, catering to varied budgets.

Enhance your guests’ experience with tickets to museum exhibits for a fully integrated and dynamic event.

Immerse your team in Newport’s maritime legacy with our venue’s distinctive charm. Whether for corporate gatherings or team-building activities, our versatile spaces include:

  • Full Museum Rental: Ideal for larger groups, this option offers stunning harbor views, breakout areas and interactive touchscreens for presentations, webinars and team-building exercises. Catering services and multi-day discounts are available.
  • Second Floor Mosbacher Room: Perfect for smaller meetings under 20 people, this bright, versatile space features various seating options, a wet bar, private bathroom and A/V equipment. Guests may bring in their own catering, with discounts for multi-day bookings.

Gatherings and private dinners are available in Schoomaker Hall, or on the second floor Dorade Deck and Mosbacher Room.  Our second floor space is particularly cost-effective for last-minute events, offering a charming and memorable setting connected to Newport’s nautical heritage. For both Schoonmaker Hall and our second floor space, the following details are available:

  • Flexible setups for heavy appetizers, drinks, or sit-down dinners. 
  • Opportunities to transform the space with creative table settings or food displays.
  • Seamless flow between spaces for an enhanced experience.
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Past Events at The Sailing Museum

Event Example 3

Small Reception

Private ceremony for 90 people, theater-style seating with refreshments

Cocktail Party

Celebratory cocktail party, 230 people with passed hors d’oeuvres and buffet stations

Event example 1

Private Dinner

Birthday dinner for 80 people, seated three-course dinner with cocktail hour and live music

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Interested in hosting an event at the Museum? Fill out the form below, and we’ll get in touch with you shortly!

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