Space Rentals at the Pauli Murray Center
Pauli Murray’s childhood home can be a meaningful space to host workshops, team meetings, retreats and other events. Explore this page to see if a space rental at the Pauli Murray Center is right for you!
Availability & Booking
All rentals are subject to availability and must be confirmed by a staff member at least 3 weeks in advance.
We are unable to accommodate rentals on Tuesday mornings before 1 PM and Saturday availability is very limited.
Invoices must be paid within 7 days of receipt to confirm your booking. Due to high demand, we cannot hold reservations without payment.
Timing & Minimums
Please include both setup and cleanup time in your request. Example: If your event runs from 10 AM–1 PM and you need 30 minutes before and after for setup/cleanup, you’ll need to request a 4-hour rental.
All rentals require a 3-hour minimum.
Pricing & Accessibility
We offer tiered pricing to ensure that all organizations can access our space. If your organization can contribute more than the requested rate, your generosity is welcome. If the rate is a barrier, contact us to discuss options. A limited number of scholarships are available for groups aligned with our mission.
Seating Capacity
Indoor Seating Capacity
Presentation or Lecture (chairs aligned in 3-4 rows) - 15-20 people max.
Indoor Social Hour (chairs throughout first-floor and space to mingle indoors) - 30 people
Small group discussion or planning meeting with tables - 8 people comfortably (10 max)
Small group discussion or planning meeting with no tables - 13 people comfortably (15 max)
Outdoor Space Capacity
Outdoor event on the lawn, without tables/chairs/tents - 100 people
Outdoor event under a 20x20 tent*
Theater seating* - 65 people
Standing at cocktail tables* - 50
Seated at banquet tables* - 25
*Additional charges will apply for rental of these items from a third party company, ranging from $1,000 - $2,000. All tent, table, and chair rentals must be coordinated by Pauli Murray Center staff.
Include a Guided or Semi-guided Tour to your Visit
Guided tour - a trained member of our staff will guide your group through the exhibit using stories, sharing history, and inviting your group to reflect and ask questions. A guided tour lasts between 60 - 75 minutes.
Semi-guided tour - if you’re short on time, we can offer a semi-guided experience. Our guide will provide a brief history of the Pauli Murray Center and Pauli Murray, allow folks time to explore the exhibit, and answer questions. A semi-guided tour last about 30 minutes.
Tiered Pricing
Small organizations with an operating budget of less than $250,000
Weekday Space Rental - $200 for the first 3 hours
Evening/Weekend Space Rental - $300 for the first 3 hours
Add on a 75 min guided tour for up to 25 people - $150
Add on a 30 min semi-guided tour for up to 25 people - $100
Additional $25 per hour after the first 3 hours
Organizations with an operating budget of more than $250,000
Weekday Space Rental - $300 for the first 3 hours
Evening/Weekend Space Rental - $400 for the first 3 hours
Add on a 75 min guided tour for up to 25 people - $200
Add on a 30 min semi-guided tour for up to 25 people - $150
Additional $25 per hour after the first 3 hours
Corporations and For-profit Businesses
Weekday Space Rental - $400 for the first 3 hours
Evening/Weekend Space Rental - $500 for the first 3 hours
Add on a 75 min guided tour for up to 25 people - $300Add on a 30 min semi-guided tour for up to 25 people - $200
Additional $35 per hour after the first 3 hours
Refreshments and Catering
Water and black coffee (keurig) are available for all indoor space rentals. A small microwave and mini fridge are also available for your use, upon request. The Pauli Murray Center does not require that you use a specific caterer, but we would encourage you to consider investing in a local business that aligns with your organizations mission and values. Some recommendations are included below!
West End businesses (neighborhood map)
Sandwiches, salads, breakfast options, and more. Delivery available.
While the Co-op does not offer catering, they do have a lunch counter, including indoor/outdoor seating. If your group would like to take a short walk, this is a good option for you.
Black-owned businesses
Find more ideas on Discover Durham’s black owned businesses page
Women-owned businesses
Cocoa Cinnamon (pickup/takeout orders only - no catering)
Find more ideas on Discover Durham’s women owned businesses page
Queer-owned businesses
Lutra Bakery and Cafe (advanced ordering required)
Please note: Hot plates, catering candles, and open flames are not permitted inside this historic home. Hot plates and food warmers are permitted outside for outdoor events.
Pauli Murray Center staff will handle set up and tear down of any tables and chairs you have requested for indoor events. We will also remove trash and clean the space when finished. For outdoor events, please place all trash in the receptacles behind the Welcome Center building.
Ready to make your request?
Reach out to our Communications Coordinator at communications@paulimurraycenter.org to inquire about renting our space. In your email, please include:
The date/time you’re requesting the space
How many people in your party and how you’d need the space set up (tables, chairs, projector, etc.)
What price category does your organization fall info? (outlined above)
How does your work align with the mission and values of the Pauli Murray Center?
We look forward to welcoming you soon!