What is the procedure for renting a room in the Espace pour la vie museums?
Here is the procedure for making a reservation:
- You can submit a reservation request using our online form.
- The rental agent will contact you to discuss the details of your event and the availability of the rooms. It will be possible to schedule a site visit before the event.
- All rentals are confirmed when the contract is signed, upon payment of a $250 non-refundable deposit.
- At least 10 days prior to the event, you must pay the balance of the payment and provide the rental agent with your certificate of civil liability insurance and the logistical information necessary to finalize your event.
What are the rental costs?
Please consult the details of each room for hourly rates.
Additional fees for certain services may apply depending on the space rented and the activities held. Do not hesitate to contact the Rental service to get a precise quote for your event.
Are day rates available?
There are no rates or discounts offered for day rentals. The hourly rate applies regardless of the duration.
Can Espace pour la vie offer a discount on the rental costs?
A 50% discount on the hourly rate is offered to non-profit organizations and to the City of Montreal municipal services. The discount is not applicable on human resources or activity costs.
What are the minimum and maximum rental durations?
All rentals are for a minimum of three hours.
There is no maximum duration for rentals. However, rental activities generally end at midnight. Exceptionally, if a rental extends into the night, a rate of one and a half (1 ½) times the basic hourly rate applies after midnight.
What is included in the rental cost?
Rental cost includes support in the planning of your event by the rental agent as well as the furniture available in the Espace pour la vie museums, the details of which are listed in the technical sheet of each room. For any additional equipment, the lessee may do business with the supplier of his choice.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payment can be made by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard), directly to the Rental service.
Is it necessary to have insurance to make a rental?
The lessee must hold a civil liability insurance policy granting aggregate coverage of at least one million dollars for bodily harm and for property damage resulting from his occupation of the premises, and in which the City of Montreal is designated as additional insured for the duration of the event. An insurance certificate must be sent to the rental agent at least ten days before the event.
Will a Espace pour la vie supervisor be present during the rental to support us?
Espace pour la vie ensures the presence of an event attendant during all occupancy time. This person will be able to answer your questions and requests during the rental.
Is it possible to consume alcoholic beverages during the rental?
Yes. However, a permit is required to serve or sell alcoholic beverages. The lessee must obtain, at his expense, a reunion permit from the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, once he has received prior authorization from the Rental service. It is recommended to make this request at least 15 days before the date of the event.
Is there an exclusive caterer?
No. You are free to hire the caterer of your choice. We will be happy to make recommendations if necessary.
Don't forget to inform your caterer that we don't have any oven available in our museums. The caterer may use electric or sterno stoves (not provided). It is prohibited to use propane inside the museums.
Is it possible to hire a security firm for the event?
Depending on the schedule and the number of guests expected at your event, the presence of security guards may be required, at your expense. Our service provider is GardaWorld and the agents are specifically trained to manage your event according to the specific aspects of our museums. The rental agent will make the arrangements directly with the supplier before your event. If you already have a security team, they can add to our existing team, but cannot replace them.
Is there parking on site?
Parking spaces are available near our museums at a cost of $12,50/day.
For the Botanical garden : 4101 Sherbrooke East St (P1).
For the Biodôme and the Planétarium : 3000 Viau St (P6).
Our museums are also accessible by public transportation.
Are the rooms accessible to people with reduced mobility?
All our rental rooms are accessible to people with reduced mobility and adapted toilets are available nearby.
Is it possible to smoke on site?
The use of cigarettes (including electronic cigarettes) is prohibited in our rental rooms. On the grounds of the Botanical Garden ,are reserved for this purpose. However, please note that it is strictly prohibited to use cannabis on the site at any time.
Is there a coat check room available?
There is no coat check/closet area available in our museums. However, rolling stands with hangers can be provided for your event and installed directly in the rental room.
Is it possible to decorate the room?
Yes. You can bring your own decorations, as long as these do not affect the cleanliness or security of the rented premises. Among other things, the use of candles, confetti, paint, artificial snow, helium balloons and inflatable structures is prohibited. We prioritize the use of reusable adhesive (such as Blu-tak or sticky-tak) for any display on our walls.
Is it possible to have access to the room before the start of the reservation for installation or decoration?
You have access to the room at the times specified in your contract. The set-up and tear-down time required for your event must be included in the time range of your reservation.
The caterer may arrive one hour in advance to begin preparation in an adjoining room.
What are the storage and cleaning conditions after the event?
At the exit time specified in the contract, the lessee must leave the premises with any equipment belonging to them, among other things, furniture, dishes, decoration and remaining food, and must leave the room in a state deemed satisfactory by the event attendant. After the rental, Espace pour la vie is responsible for cleaning the premises.
Please note that Espace pour la vie only has limited and unsecured storage. An arrangement must be made with the Rental service for any material to be delivered or stored in connection with the event.