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. All space rentals include full exclusive use of the first floor of the Pauli Murray Center and outdoor space.
The Love an Joy Room
Featuring an exhibit focused on Pauli Murray’s family, relationships, and community, the Love Room is our main gathering space for lectures, presentations, and group meetings.
Love Room Seating Capacity
Presentation-style seating (3-4 rows) - 20 seats
Group discussion (circle format) - 15 seats
Planning Meeting (round table format) - 8 seats
A/V Capabilities
Projector with audio capabilities
Free wifi
The Activist Room
Ideal for small planning meetings and low-tech work sessions, the Activist Room uplift’s Pauli’s drive to move social justice work forward. This room also showcase’s our main Pauli artifact - Murray’s own typewriter.
Seating Capacity
Presentation-style seating (2-3 rows) - 15 seats
Group discussion (circle format) - 12 seats
Planning Meeting (round table format) - 8 seats
A/V Capabilities
Limited projector and audio capabilities (you could show a movie or play background music, but cannot operate a Powerpoint presentation).
Free wifi
The Identity Room
The Identity Room is the hospitality hub of our space. Surrounded by exhibits exploring Murray’s intersectional identity, the space features a small kitchenette, including mini-fridge and Keurig coffee maker.
Identity Room Seating Capacity
Presentation-style seating (2 rows) - 10 seats
Group discussion (circle format) - 8 seats
Planning Meeting (round table format) - 8 seats
A/V Capabilities
Audio capabilities (background music only)
Free wifi
Outdoor Space
The front lawn of the Pauli Murray Center can be transformed into festival or event space based on the needs of your group. Connect with our team to explore what is possible!
Outdoor 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 outdoor tent, table, and chair rentals, ranging from $1,000 - $2,000. All rentals must be coordinated by Pauli Murray Center staff. Reach out to us for a custom quote based on your needs.
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.
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!
![“Great art is not a matter of presenting one side or another, but presenting a picture so full of contradictions, tragedies, [and] insights of the period that the impact is at once disturbing and satisfying.”
—Pauli Murray, forewor](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c65c2920cf57db461b27ed8/1766773143666-XVO8MRREDCPUJ5LWPEJE/image-asset.jpeg)
