Fernbank Museum of Natural History

As a VENUE: Host your event…

The Fernbank combines stately elegance and unique character with a variety of settings ranging from intimate to grand. Incredible features, including the world’s largest dinosaurs, limestone fossil floors and the twinkling Star Gallery, add a touch of cultural elegance to your celebration or occasion. The professional staff is dedicated to helping you plan a successful and unforgettable event of any size, ranging from a small gathering to a large party of up to 2,500 guests. Nine distinctive spaces are available:

• Great Hall: The Great Hall provides an enchanting setting featuring dramatic lighting, a view into natural woodlands from the Terrace and a breathtaking glass ceiling that soars 86 feet above the world’s largest dinosaurs. Rental of the Great Hall includes use of Stephensen Hall, the Dinosaur Plaza and the Terrace. The Great Hall is available nightly after 6pm and can accommodate 400 people for a seated dinner and 600 people for a standing reception.
• The Fernbank Café: The Fernbank Café provides an enclosed, intimate setting. An elegantly modern room, the space features white columns, and a panoramic window view into the surrounding woodlands. The Café can accommodate up to 100 people for a seated dinner and 200 for a standing reception.
• The Star Gallery: One of the most unique event spaces in Atlanta, this stunning oval room with dramatic mood lighting features a fiber optic ceiling that showcases the constellations of the evening sky. This space provides a spectacular setting for dinner, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a variety of other set-ups.
• Stephensen Hall: These welcoming spaces are ideal for guest registration, cocktail hour or a reception. Dramatic two-story columns accentuate the high ceiling while arching, floor-to-ceiling windows keep the Museum’s beautiful grounds within view. Stephensen Hall can accommodate up to 350 for a reception.
• Dinosaur Plaza: Your guests can enjoy celebrating part of the evening on the Dinosaur Plaza, a unique outdoor setting for your event that features beautiful landscaping and a flowing dinosaur fountain, perfectly suited for a charming cocktail or ceremony. The Dinosaur Plaza can accommodate up to 250 for a standing reception or 150 for a ceremony and is available nightly March-September.
• Terrace: Fernbank‘s Terrace gives you the opportunity to add an open-air experience to your special event. Overlooking the perimeter of Fernbank Forest, the Terrace is the perfect way to take advantage of Atlanta’s temperate seasons while enjoying the Museum‘s distinctive natural ambiance. The Terrace can accommodate up to 250 for a standing reception.
• Confrence Rooms: The Conference Rooms, can be rented separately or together. Collectively measuring 836 square feet the conference rooms can seat 10 to 100 people depending on set-up. Rooms are adjustable according to your personal preference using 6′ rectangular tables, 48″ round tables and chairs, all of which are included with rental of the room. Audiovisual equipment is available for rental through the museum.
• Board Room: For smaller meetings, try our elegant Board Room. Located on the entry level of the museum, this room features a large permanent board table and a large arc window that provides a great view of WildWoods. There is also a built-in screen, white board and flat screen television. The Board Room seats 12 people.
• Frances Wood Wilson Theater: Fernbank‘s Auditorium features cushioned seats, great acoustics, a 20′ x20’ built-in screen, a stage with hardwood floors and a projection booth. Additional audiovisual equipment such as podium, microphones, and sound system is included. The Auditorium seats 171 people.
• Fernbank Exhibitions and Giant Screen Theater: Give your guests the VIP treatment by adding private access to the exhibition galleries and the Giant Screen Theater. Special exhibitions and custom-selected giant-screen films can enhance your guests’ experience.

Support the Fernbank Museum of Natural History… by simply booking your next special occasion here:

https://www.fernbankmuseum.org/events/host-an-event/

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

Take the Fernbank Museum experience home with you. Choose from more than 3,000 unique and educational gifts, The Museum Store offers: * science kits *  toys * jewelry * geodes * souvenirs, and * all things dinosaur. During the holidays, you’ll also find * ornaments and * seasonal gifts. Choose from more than 3,000 unique and educational gifts

Support the Fernbank Museum of Natural History… by simply purchasing your specialty merchandise here:

https://fernbankmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/

As an EATERY: Food for thought…

The Fernbank Café offers delicious: * deli-style sandwiches * soups * pizzas * kids’ meals, and * more in a spacious, kid-friendly dining area.

Support the Fernbank Museum of Natural History… by simply dining here:

https://fernbankmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

You are integral in fulfilling Fernbank Museum‘s mission to inspire life-long learning of natural history through immersive programming and unmatched experiences to encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants. The Fernbank relies on your generosity to ensure the Museum can continue to present cultural and scientific enrichment programs to nearly half-a-million children and families annually.

Membership

As a non-profit with no government funding, Fernbank needs its members now more than ever. JOIN TODAY and take advantage of free museum admission, family programs and exciting new adventures! Membership at specified levels are offered: * Individual Naturalist * Dual Naturalist * Family Explorer * Family Adventurer * Voyager * Patron * Parton Supporter * Patron Leader * Membership Add-Ons, and * Gift Memberships (All gift memberships include a special welcome letter that can be mailed directly to the purchaser or to the recipient.

Donations

Make a Gift. At Fernbank, we are dedicated to fostering a passion for nature, science and human culture—the pillars of our educational mission. Our exhibits, films and programs inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of our shared global home. To fulfill our mission, we rely on the support and generosity of individuals like you. There are numerous ways you can get involved and support Fernbank.

• Annual Fund: Donations at specified levels are designated. Recurring gifts are encouraged, Memorial and Tribute gifts are welcomed. The Annual Fund is essential to Fernbank’s sustainability and growth. Every gift, large or small, has a meaningful impact. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your personal gift will support our most pressing needs and help to ensure Fernbank presents cutting-edge exhibits, awe-inspiring movies and dynamic enrichment programs. Join us and help Fernbank thrive for future generations!
• Giving Societies: Giving Society donors make our exceptional educational programming possible by generously supporting the Annual Fund. Fernbank expresses its deepest gratitude to these distinguished donors for their critical contributions that support special exhibits, Giant Screen films, cultural and scientific enrichment programming, outdoor adventures and more! With recognition in the Giving Societies, you are among a distinguished group of donors who support the world-class institution of Fernbank. Levels include: * Discovery Society * Conservation Society * Fernbank Society * Fernbank Society’s Curator’s Circle * Fernbank Society President’s Circle, and * Fernbank Society Chairman’s Circle.
• Planned Gifts: Become a Legacy Donor. As a donor to Fernbank Museum, you’ll support our mission to inspire lifelong learning of natural history through immersive programming and unmatched experiences to encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants. By endowing a gift, you will become a Fernbank Legacy Donor, inspiring learning well into the future. Create a legacy while also caring for your loved ones through one of these simple planned giving options. Donors making planned or outright gifts have the option to designate gifts for annual programming, strategic projects or the endowment. We recommend that you consult with your own tax and legal advisors to fully understand the tax implications of your preferred gift plan. Giving Plans Include 
  • Bequest (Will or Trust)
  • Retirement Plan Assets
  • Charitable Lead Trust
  • Life Insurance
  • Cash
  • Stock/Property
• Community Programs:Fernbank’s mission is to ignite a passion for science, nature and human culture through exploration and discovery. In addition to offering educational exhibits, movies and school programs, Fernbank also offers unique programs designed for a variety of ages and interests.
  • Fernbank on the Go
  • Science Explorers
  • CORE (Connecting, Observing, Researching Ecosystems)
  • PNC Grow Up Great
  • Museum Access Scholarships
  • Atlanta City Nature Challenge
  • Roots & Shoots
• Corporate & Foundation Partners: Provide critical support for Fernbank Museum and enrich our community while realizing your corporate and foundation goals. Become a Fernbank Education Partner and enrich our community while realizing your corporate and foundation goals.
• Gala Event: Support the Museum‘s educational mission by participating in Fernbank‘s signature annual gala A Timeless Affair.

Volunteer Opportunities: 

Volunteers fill a variety of roles at Fernbank, from greeting museum guests to assisting with forest restoration; they are essential to the success of the museum. We’d be excited to have you as part of our team!

• Customer Service: Ensure that each guest feels welcome and has the best experience possible. In these roles, volunteers orient guests to the museum, check tickets, distribute 3D glasses and provide a friendly face to answer any questions.
• Hands-on Experiences: These roles provide a more involved opportunity for both volunteers and guests. Help guests with crafts and learn about natural history and Fernbank Forest.
• Exhibit Facilitators: Engaging and inspiring guests of all ages to learn about our exhibit collections. Additional training required for these opportunities.
• Youth Volunteer Program: The Fernbank Youth Interpreter (FYI) program, is an opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to be directly involved in public events and education. FYI volunteers must commit to the program for a minimum of one year and provide a minimum of 45 hours of service to the museum.
• Additional Opportunities: Additional opportunities for adult volunteers are available, including supporting educational programs, assisting with live animal care, facilitating special events, performing light office work and more.

Support the Fernbank Museum of Natural History… by simply joining, giving, and volunteering here:

https://fernbankmuseum.org/support/ways-to-give/