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BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM RENTALS

Belle Isle Conservancy is accepting applications for private rentals
for dates ranging from September 2023 through April 2024.

The Aquarium rental rate is $2500, which provides the client with
a site manager, event insurance, access to our available furnishings
and facility access beginning at 4:30 PM on the rental date.

No private rentals of the Aquarium are available between April and
September when the island is warmest, and park use is at its highest capacities.
High park use means that access to the island may become purposefully impeded by
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officers
to manage vehicular traffic by closing access to the MacArthur Bridge and denying entry to the park until traffic dissipates. These occurrences can happen randomly
based on the park's capacity and can last up to two hours at a time. 

Additionally, the Aquarium is nearly 120 years old and does not have a modern heating and cooling system. The lack of equipment to manage the facility's indoor climate poses a substantial threat to the integrity of the events held at the facility
and the well-being of its guests, especially during the warm months. 

The visitor experience is an utmost priority. By supporting the Belle Isle Aquarium
private rental program, you help us to make the necessary improvements to the
facility as we strive to provide the best guest experience. 
 

Nestled on the tranquil bank of Belle Isle's Lake Tacoma, the Belle Isle Aquarium boasts over one hundred years of cultural, historical, and aquatic significance.  With the ability to accommodate a variety of events, the Conservancy's Belle Isle Aquarium events team is dedicated to helping you create a memorable cultural experience for all of your guests! 

PRIVATE VENUE RENTALS

  • The Belle Isle Aquarium (BIA) is available for private rentals outside of normal business and field trip hours. Click HERE for general Aquarium info.

  • The facility is rented at a rate of $100/hr. Rental requires a minimum of 4 hours. The maximum rental time is 8 hours. Set-up and clean-up must take place during the contracted rental time. Event must end, all guests must vacate, and tear down of the event must begin by 12:00am. 

  • Maximum facility capacity is 250 people and varies based on the style of your event. Click HERE for a look at sample event styles. Note: Start at the bottom when reviewing this document as a PDF.

  • The BIA cannot accommodate formal, banquet style events.

  • Catering can be set up in the Aquarium’s multi-purpose room, but there is no on-site kitchen or cooking facility.

  • Venue rental does not include equipment. Client is responsible for securing furniture rentals, including chairs. BIA has small selection of equipment available for a fee.

  • A refundable $250 security deposit is required to secure your date once an application has been approved. Please reference the Rental Info for complete details on the application process. 

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES

  • The Belle Isle Aquarium (BIA) is available for children's birthday parties during its regular hours of operation. Available time slots are 10:30am - 12:30pm or 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

  • Rental fee is $200 and includes the following: private room, party host, [optional] moving fish craft activity, a pair of BIA sunglasses for each child, and a BIA Swag Bag for the guest of honor (includes: clear BIC Sporting event bag, adopt-an-animal with certificate, two BIA silicone wristbands, BIA kids sunglasses, self-guided aquarium tour activity & a birthday certificate)!

  • $150 refundable security deposit required.

  • Available for children ages 12 & Under

  • Maximum party capacity is 14 children; maximum room capacity is 18 people, including adults. 

  • Outside food is OK, but no chafing dishes or on site cooking allowed. 

  • No refrigeration, but two tin ice bins are provided (ice is not). 

  • Snacks and party upgrades available. 

  • Decorations allowed and encouraged! Please see rental agreement for rules and regulations on decor. 

  • See Children’s Birthday Party Rental Info for complete details.

For additional information regarding Belle Isle Aquarium event rentals, please email

biarentals@belleisleconservancy.org.

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A member of the Belle Isle Aquarium Events Team will be in touch with you! 

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