Rentals

Barn Rental

Maximum seating capacity in the
Barn is 60 people.

Museum provides the following for Barn Rentals:

WiFi Internet access
Rental of tables, chairs, projector, and screen
Catering kitchen with microwave, sink, and refrigerator
Two restrooms
Wheelchair Accessibility

Rental Terms for Barn Rentals:

Three to four-hour time limits on rentals. *
Set up and clean-up of event must take place within the rental time. A cleaning fee will be applied to rentals who fail to clean up after themselves.
Alcohol is not permitted at any function without a pre-approved caterer with a Catering Liquor License.
Drug use is not permitted at any function.
Animals are not allowed inside the building.
Museum events take priority date when booking rentals.
Rental documents must be filled out, signed, and returned to museum staff before moving forward with the rental.

* Additional time can be added on for an additional fee. * Late fees may incur if your rental goes over the allotted time frame.

** Additional Terms may apply depending on type of rental.

Event Rental Prices

*A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to reserve your date and time.*

Non-Profit Organizational Rental (4 hours)
*Please provide 501c3 identification

Tuesday through Friday: $100.00
Saturday and Sunday: $200.00

Organizational Rental (4 hours)

Tuesday through Friday: $200.00
Saturday and Sunday: $300.00

Party Rentals (4 hours)

Tuesday through Friday $200.00
Saturday and Sunday $300.00

Paranormal Investigation Rentals (4 hours)

Tuesday through Sunday: $400
$100 per additional hour (up to 2 hours)
Please follow the guidelines while attending a paranormal event:
Flash photography is not permitted.
Do not touch, sit, or lean on the objects.
You must remain with your group at all times.
No spirit/Ouija boards are allowed on site.
No provocative language is allowed. The Tinker family is a very kind group of spirits, and speaking rudely to them will not be tolerated.
We are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items.
The use of alcohol and/or drugs will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
If you are unable to follow these guidelines, the Tinker Swiss Cottage staff reserve the right to cancel the event and will not issue a refund.
Refunds will NOT be provided if attendees become too afraid to continue the event.

Wedding Rentals

Wedding Ceremony or Reception Only (6 Hours)

Tuesday through Friday: $400.00
Saturday and Sunday: $600.00

Combined Wedding and Reception (6 hours)

Tuesday through Friday: $600.00
Saturday and Sunday: $800.00

*Wedding rentals may have up to six hours, with additional fees for each hour after six.

Private Murder Mystery Rentals

Private Murder Mystery Rentals (3hrs)

Barn Rental for 1 hour $50 (required)
- Use of Barn room for food and refreshments
- Necessary for game
- Event provides 1 hour for meal (not provided by museum) and 2 hours for gameplay.
$250 for 10 person minimum (required)
$25 for each additional person.
Maximum headcount of 25 people.
Choose between Speakeasy Murder Mystery or Victorian Light Party
All guests that attend are active participants in the Murder Mystery, no actors are brought in
Dressing the part is ENCOURAGED!
No weapons are allowed on site.
Alcohol ONLY permitted IF rental provides a licensed Catering Liquor License a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the event. An additional $100 fee will be added to your rental if alcohol is involved.

Photography Inside the Cottage

Photography in the Cottage

$100.00 per hour
Staff member remains on site
Date and time must be reserved as to not interfere with general tours or museum sanctioned events
No flash photography allowed
No tripods, static light, or light screens allowed
Equipment is not permitted on artifacts such as tabletops, chairs, or mantles
Sitting, standing, or laying on artifacts is not permitted
Photography on the spiral staircase is not permitted

Photo Credit: Nikki Kate Photography (Chicago)

Video Filming Inside the Cottage

Filming in the Cottage

$100.00 per hour
Staff member remains on site
Date and time must be reserved as to not interfere with general tours or museum sanctioned events
No flash photography allowed
No tripods, static light, or light screens allowed
Equipment is not permitted on artifacts such as tabletops, chairs, or mantles
Sitting, standing, or laying on artifacts is not permitted
Filming on the spiral staircase is not permitted
No tape may be used to secure cords to floors