The State Historical Society’s Center for Missouri Studies offers space rental options to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, cultural organizations, and educational groups.
The Sam B. Cook Hall, the John K. Hulston Lobby, the Sam F. and June S. Hamra Family Classroom, the Plassmeyer Family Classroom, and the Francis W. “Bud” Barnes Boardroom are spaces available for events.
Come in for a tour, explore the Center, and make plans for a great event!
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Thanks for the great care and hospitality you showed to us throughout the planning and execution of our event!
Event Space Images
Loved hosting our event in your beautiful venue!
Space Rental Rates: 2020
| Spaces | Floor | Business Hours (cost per hour) |
After Hours* & Weekends (cost per hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamra Classroom | 2 | $25 | $50 |
| Plassmeyer Classroom | 2 | $25 | $50 |
| Barnes Boardroom | 2 | $25 | $50 |
| Cook Hall** | 1 | $100 | $125 |
| Cook Hall & Hulston Lobby*** | 1 | $125 | $150 |
| Hulston Lobby*** | 1 | $75 | $100 |
All space rentals require a two hour minimum reservation.
*Please note that after hours rates begin at 5:00 p.m.
**Please note that the stage platform and attached accessibility ramp are permanent features of Cook Hall.
***Please note that the Hulston Lobby is also in public use during regular business hours.
| AV Options | Business Hours (cost per hour) |
After Hours & Weekends (cost per hour) |
|---|---|---|
| AV-Basic | $25 | $50 |
| AV-Enhanced | Based on service required | Based on service required |
| Additional Services | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tables | $5/table |
| Electronic Signage | $75 |
| Catering Kitchen Access | $75 |
| Early Morning Access, prior to 8:30 a.m. | $30/hour |
| SHSMO Event Staff (min. 1-2) | $30/hour per staff member |
Frequently Asked Questions: Event Rentals
- The Hamra Classroom and Plassmeyer Classroom will each seat 30 people.
- The Barnes Boardroom will seat 20 people around the table and has a total of 36 chairs in the room.
- Cook Hall holds 182 people in theatre style seating and 152 people at table rounds of 8 with closed doors.
- Cook Hall holds 210 people in theatre style seating and 200 people at table rounds of 8 with open doors.
There is a parking lot onsite at the Center as well as several parking garages in downtown Columbia.
Yes, the Center for Missouri Studies is ADA accessible, including the restrooms.
Yes! Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited at the Center.
The Center is not available for events on major holidays, including: Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve/Day, Fourth of July, Easter, Memorial Day/Weekend, and Labor Day/Weekend.
While the art gallery is not available to rent, there are options to incorporate a gallery viewing or tour into event rentals. Please note that this will result in gallery staffing fees. No food or drink is allowed in the gallery.
AV equipment and services are available for event rentals.
The State Historical Society of Missouri must approve all caterers for events.
Yes, there is a catering kitchen available for use. It includes an ice machine, coffee pots, work tables, a three-compartment sink, and space to hook up warming cabinets.
Yes, alcohol is allowed at events. It must be served by a licensed and insured caterer or bar caterer. No person under the age of 21 is allowed to drink on the premises.
Yes, there are 25 tables (72’’) available to rent and 250 chairs that are available at no charge.
There are three restrooms on the first floor—men’s, women’s, and family.
There are two restrooms on the second floor—men’s and women’s.
The initial deposit, 50% of rental fee, is due within 10 days of signed contract. The final payment is due 7 days prior to event date. University of Missouri clients may submit a MoCode to secure the space and to pay for event.
Deposits and payments may be made in the form of MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover Card, MoCode, cash, or check made payable to the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Call (573) 882-7083 or email events@shsmo.org to discuss specific needs.
To rent the space, clients must provide a certificate of liability insurance.
See reservation confirmation for cancellation policy.
See event space rental rates.
Call (573) 882-7083 or email events@shsmo.org.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call (573) 882-7083 or email events@shsmo.org.
Any views or opinions expressed at any rental event held at the State Historical Society of Missouri’s Center for Missouri Studies are solely those of the speaker or the renting group and should not be imputed or attributed to SHSMO in any form or fashion.
The State Historical Society of Missouri does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or disability and reserves the right to refuse any event rental to any group that discriminates on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or disability.