Rent the building? You bet!
The Museum has hosted many successful events over the last 25 years, including weddings, gala events, and conferences. The historic backdrop offers a unique environment for a variety of occasions. The Museum grounds are a historic part of downtown Waco. The surrounding buildings, including the former Behren’s Drug Company and Magnolia Market at the Silos, are also key players in Waco’s history.
There are several meeting space options for both indoor and outdoor events. A parking lot is available at no charge across the street, and the entire Museum is ADA compliant. Tables, chairs, and additional audio visual equipment is available to rent upon request.
Weekend Evening Rentals
All rentals on Friday and Saturday evenings include full access to the public spaces in the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company (AMBC) Building, the East Wing Building, and the Courtyard.
The historic 1906 AMBC Building houses the original three floors of exhibits visitors can experience at the Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute. The AMBC Building is ideal for standing-only mingling among historic artifacts and classic architecture.
The East Wing Building houses Frosty’s Soda Shop, Peggy Pepper’s Emporium, the Emerson Holt – Ted Getterman Exhibit Gallery, as well as the Presidents Board Room and the Hillcrest Conference Center. The East Wing Building is the newly-renovated 1882 Kellum-Rotan Building, which was a wholesale grocery company and is one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Waco. While this building was not directly involved in the bottling or manufacture of Dr Pepper, it was the neighbor of the Dr Pepper Company for many years. We are happy to have been able to save this piece of history in Waco.
The Courtyard spans the space between the AMBC and East Wing Buildings.
Rental Rates
Friday – Saturday
6 PM – 1 AM
$1200
Includes use of DPM tables and chairs and set up by DPM staff.
Hillcrest Conference Center
The Hillcrest Conference Center is located in the East Wing Building of the Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute. The open space can accommodate a variety of table and seating configurations, and is a popular choice for rehearsal dinners and presentations that require theater-style seating. Additional space is available in the lobby area when you rent the Hillcrest Conference Center depending on other scheduled programs.
Rental Rates:
Monday – Thursday
9 AM – 5 PM
$100 per hour – 4 hour minimum
Includes wristband access to the AMBC and East Wing Buildings.
Monday – Thursday
6 PM – 11 PM
$150 per hour – 3 hour minimum
$150 per hour additional charge for access to the AMBC and East Wing Buildings – 1 hour minimum
Friday and Saturday
9 AM – 5 PM
$150 per hour – 3 hour minimum
Includes wristband access to the AMBC and East Wing Buildings.
Sunday
12 PM – 5 PM
$150 per hour – 3 hour minimum
Includes wristband access to the AMBC and East Wing Buildings.
Room Size:
1,528 square feet
Capacity:
Standing – 100
Theater Style – 100
Seated – 70-80
Included:
- Use of DPM tables and chairs – staff set up is an additional $75
- Drop down screen
- Overhead projector (VGA/HMDI)
- DVD Player
- Wireless microphone
- Podium available upon request
- Wi-Fi access
Presidents Board Room
The Presidents Board Room is located in the East Wing Building of the Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute. This space is ideal for small to medium meetings and retreats.
Rental Rates
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 5 PM
$75 per hour – 3 hour minimum
OR
$500 for the entire day.
The Presidents Board Room is not available for evening or weekend rentals.
Room Size:
A variety of table configurations are available.
Capacity:
Up to 40 depending on table configuration.
Included:
- Access to the AMBC and East Wing Buildings
- Use of DPM tables and chairs and set up by staff
- 70″ flat screen TV (VGA/HDMI)
- Sound system available
- Webcam with view of entire room
- Wi-Fi access
“Foots” Clements Theater
The “Foots” Clements Theater is located on the 3rd floor of the AMBC Building. This space is ideal for small to medium meetings and retreats. Outside the theater is a lobby area with a view of Downtown Waco. The “Foots” Clements Theater rental includes access to the lobby area and the exhibit spaces. Food and drinks are limited to specific areas.
Rental Rates
Monday – Thursday
9 AM – 5 PM
$80 per hour – 3 hour minimum
Monday-Thursday
6 PM – 11 PM
$120 per hour – 3 hour minimum
Friday – Saturday
9 AM – 5 PM
$120 per hour – 3 hour minimum
Sunday
12 PM – 5 PM
$120 per hour – 3 hour minimum
Room Size:
A variety of table configurations are available.
Capacity:
Up to 45 depending on table configuration.
Included:
- Access to the AMBC Building
- Use of DPM tables and chairs and set up by staff
- 12 six-foot rectangular tables and five five-foot round tables are available
- Projector, screen, VGA, HDMI
- Built-in surround sound audio
- Adjustable lighting with variety of preset modes
- Wi-Fi access
The Museum Courtyard
The courtyard spans the space between the two Museum buildings and can accommodate a 40’ x 60’ tent. There are permanent canopies that offer shade, as well as a raised dock area. The entire courtyard is wired to accommodate the electrical needs of almost any size event.
Rental Rates:
Monday – Thursday
6 PM – 11 PM
$950
Event set up cannot begin until 4 PM on the day of your event.
Room Size:
3100 square feet of continuous usable space
Capacity:
Standing – Up to 1000
Seated – 200 to 400 depending on table configuration
Included:
- Access to the AMBC and East Wing Buildings
- Use of DPM tables and chairs and set up by DPM staff
- Sound system available
Frosty’s Soda Shop & Peggy Pepper’s Emporium
During Business Hours
Handmade treats from Frosty’s Soda Shop are available for rental groups. Selections need to be made and communicated to the staff coordinator one week prior to the date of your rental.
Rental guests are welcome to shop in Peggy Pepper’s Emporium during the course of their rental.
After Hours
Special arrangements need to be made to staff Frosty’s Soda Shop and Peggy Pepper’s Emporium during an after hours rental.
- $30 per hour per employee.
- This fee is in addition to the total rental fee and any products that are purchased in the Soda Shop or Emporium.
Add-Ons
Prepackaged beverages can be purchased from the DPM and served to rental guests in a cooler with ice for an additional fee. Please discuss quantities and beverage selection with your rental coordinator.
Rental Tips & Policies
Please read over our tips and policies for renting space inside our historic buildings before you fill out and submit the Rental Inquiry Form.
Deposits
Booking Deposit
Due at the time the contract is signed.
Half of the total amount of the rental.
Cleaning Deposit
$100 per event in addition to the Booking Deposit.
Due at the time the contract is signed.
Will be refunded after the event if all requirements are met.
Venue Deposit
$50 non-refundable deposit.
Included in the Booking Deposit.
Security
All evening rentals require security. The DPMFEI books all security through the Waco Police Department.
- $35 per police officer per hour.
- 3 hour minimum.
- Payment is made directly to Waco PD on the evening of the event.
- Cash or check only.
- The number of officers required depends on the presence of alcohol and the number of guests.
Payment Policy
The rental total must be paid in full two weeks prior to the event date. Failure to do so will make the Rental Agreement null and void and your Cleaning Deposit and Booking Deposit will not be refunded.
Cancellation Policy
You have until up to two weeks before the event to cancel and have your Booking Deposit and Cleaning Deposit refunded, minus the $50 Venue Deposit.
If you cancel in the two weeks leading up to the event, none of your deposits will be refunded.
Special Rates
Nonprofits
20% discount on rental total.
We require your organization’s W-9 to verify nonprofit status.
Rental Policies
Rentals can be booked up to six months in advance.
The Rental Inquiry Form must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the requested event date.